Welsh councils have been urged to 'raise their game' when it come to tackling fraud by the Auditor General for Wales.
The report found that the COVID-19 pandemic has generated an 'explosion' in fraudulent activities.
While it found some good practice in identifying and sharing the latest fraud risks, it warned that local government needed to strengthen its counter fraud arrangements. It said councils should aim to achieve the standard seen in the NHS at the very least.
The auditor general, Adrian Crompton said: 'The COVID-19 pandemic is creating an imperative for public bodies to collaborate more effectively in responding to scammers and fraudsters.
'Whilst individual bodies are responsible for their own arrangements, the Welsh Government also needs to enhance its strategic leadership of counter-fraud activities across Wales, playing a co-ordinating role where it can.'
