North Tyneside Council saved £1.99 million in 2025/26 through counter-fraud measures, the highest total since records began in 2015. The authority cancelled blue badges and took action against improperly sublet council homes.
Housing tenancy fraud leads savings
The largest area of fraud prevention was housing tenancy, with a saving of £939,600. This was achieved by tackling illicit sublets, abandonments and one case of improper succession of a council property. A total of 12 cases of right-to-buy fraud were also blocked, saving £633,984.
With long waiting lists for social housing, the council states that fraud is “taking social housing properties away from those in genuine need of an affordable home”.
Official comment on protecting public money
David Mason, director of resources at North Tyneside Council, said: “Every pound lost to fraud is a pound that cannot be spent on essential services. Identifying nearly £2 million in fraud helps us protect public money and ensures resources are available to support the residents who need them most.
“We want taxpayers to have confidence that public funds are being used appropriately, and this work demonstrates our commitment to fairness, accountability and taking action where we identify fraud.”
Other savings across the year
The comparable fraud savings from 2024/25 amount to around £730,000. Other savings this year include council tax reduction claims cancelled or overpaid (£125,998), Council Tax single person discount (£4,244), Council Tax empty property premium avoidance (£4,359), council tax exemption cancelled or overpaid (£19,655), housing benefit claim cancelled or overpaid (£39,566), blue badge cancelled (£207,234) and false applications for school admissions (£9,000).
North Tyneside Council’s audit committee will convene on November 11 at its Silverlink HQ to discuss the local authority’s fraud report.
