A NEW investigative team dedicated to uncovering anyone trying to commit fraud against North Ayrshire is set to be announced.

Bosses at North Ayrshire Council have previously been stung by con artists but it looks like they are aiming to try and stamp out all forms of fraud.

To boost this North Ayrshire Council’s Cabinet is considering creating a Corporate Fraud Team in order to ensure the council minimises the opportunity for the perpetration of fraud.

The council currently investigates Housing benefit fraud however, from February, this will be transferred to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) Single Fraud Investigation Service.

Council Tax Reduction fraud will remain the council’s responsibility and the new Corporate Fraud Team would ensure this is a priority. Every year the team investigates around 600 council tax frauds.

If established, the new team is expected to pursue all cases as well as investigating fraud around the Scottish Welfare Fund, blue badges, single person discount, tenancies and council tax relating to second homes.

It would also build on the work already undertaken and continue to promote an anti-fraud culture in the area.

Councillor Ruth Maguire, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Support, said: “The Cabinet’s approval for the new Corporate Fraud Team would emphasise the council’s commitment to tackling a variety of fraud.

“Those responsible for these types of crimes should be clear that their actions will not be tolerated.”