A specialist investigations unit has clawed back more than £1.25 million in public funds that were claimed fraudulently or in error over the past year.
Folkestone & Hythe District Council’s dedicated enforcement team targeted widespread irregularities across council tax reduction schemes, social housing tenancy fraud, housing benefits, and parking permits. Through rigorous audits and targeted investigations throughout 2025/26, officers successfully resolved 466 proven cases of abuse, recovering a total of £1,266,259.
Local authority leaders praised the enforcement action, emphasizing that reclaiming these vital funds ensures local council resources are safeguarded and directed strictly to eligible residents who genuinely require financial support.
Cllr Tim Prater, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Governance, said:
“The fraud work we are doing is so important because it means we can give the best possible support to the people who most deserve and need it.”
Folkestone & Hythe District Council is a member of the Kent Intelligence Network, allowing information on unlisted properties and non-domestic units – as well as absconded debtors – to be shared between local authorities.
There are several schemes to help residents finding the rising cost of living challenging. Visit folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/cost-