Barnet Council’s anti-fraud team investigated 944 cases in a single year, recovering 59 properties and saving the council nearly £3.9 million, according to a new annual report.
The figures, presented to the local authority’s Governance, Audit, Risk Management and Standards Committee this week, cover the 2025 to 2026 financial year. The Corporate Anti-Fraud Team secured 38 criminal prosecutions, recovered more than £80,000, and froze over £760,000 worth of assets through financial investigations.
The recovery of 59 properties in tenancy fraud cases represents a significant step in easing rising temporary accommodation costs. By bringing these homes back into use, the council said it is helping reduce reliance on costly emergency placements and supporting families into stable, long-term housing.
Tenancy fraud was the largest category investigated, with 454 cases. The team also looked into 330 cases of concessionary travel fraud, including misuse of Blue Badges and parking permits, resulting in 32 criminal prosecutions. Six Blue Badges were seized from offenders, and five cases involving stolen or counterfeit badges are awaiting prosecution.
Corporate fraud cases, including Council Tax fraud, numbered 131 and led to three criminal prosecutions.
Earlier this year, the council successfully prosecuted a former employee for “polygamous working” – holding more than one full-time job simultaneously. The worker, who was found to be working full-time for two London councils, received a suspended 12-month prison sentence and was ordered to pay £10,000 compensation to Barnet Council. In the last year, the anti-fraud team has initiated nine internal investigations, leading to two staff dismissals and two resignations, with three cases currently going through prosecution.
Cllr Barry Rawlings, Leader of Barnet Council, said: ‘The council has zero tolerance for dishonesty and fraudulent behaviour. We will always protect the public purse by clamping down on anyone who breaks the rules and flouts the law in Barnet and will make every effort to bring them to justice.’
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