Fraud cases
We work to prevent and detect fraud in our services. We investigate cases where information may be wrong or where we suspect fraud.
Fraud cases in 2025/26
| Number | Information | Response |
|---|---|---|
1 | Number of occasions they use powers under the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud (Power to Require Information) (England) Regulations 201432, or similar powers | 0 for Social Housing |
2 | Total number (absolute and full time equivalent) of employees undertaking investigations and prosecutions of fraud | 1 Manager/1 FTE (team of 4 that carry out fraud and compliance reviews for Maidstone, Swale and Tunbridge Wells) |
3 | Total number (absolute and full time equivalent) of professionally accredited counter fraud specialists | 1 full-time and 1 part-time |
4 | Total amount spent by the authority on the investigation and prosecution of fraud | Total cost of team is £279,403. However, Kent County Council funding is £151,300. This has remained the same as last year, and the three councils share the remaining cost. The actual cost to Maidstone was £59,291. This covers both the fraud and the compliance work. |
5 | Total number of fraud cases investigated for Maidstone | 26 |
Maidstone reviews completed in 2025/26
| Maidstone reviews completed in 2025/26 | Monetary value |
|---|---|
Second home review | £317,049 |
National Fraud Initiative Single Person Discount review | £112,191 |