Hundreds of thousands recovered after tax fraud

A council has recovered about £220,000 across 12 months after investigations into fraud.

East Devon District Council said it had received 112 allegations of fraud in 2025/26 and about £180,000 was linked to council tax reductions and discounts.

In one of its "largest" fraud investigations, the authority said one resident repaid more than £25,000 of falsely claimed council tax reduction, plus a £1,000 penalty. It said the resident failed to report another person was living in the house for more than 10 years, making them ineligible for the discount.

Councillor Sam Hawkins, portfolio holder for finance, said the council took its responsibility to "safeguard public money extremely seriously".

The council said it issued a financial penalty rather than pursuing prosecution due to the resident's cooperation during the investigation.

The authority said it supported more than 8,000 working and pension-age households with help toward their council tax.

"However, it's important that residents inform the council if their circumstances change, as they may no longer be eligible for as much council tax discount," it added.

"This ensures that financial support can be targeted to those who need it most, and vital local services can be funded properly."

The council said it received seven pence of every £1 of council tax collected in east Devon.

It said 73 pence went to Devon County Council, 12 pence to Devon and Cornwall Police, four pence to Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and another four pence to town and parish councils.

Follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.