A counter-fraud hub has been launched in London to crack down on fraud in the Capital and save London boroughs millions of pounds each year.

All 32 London boroughs and the City of London have worked together to set up the new scheme, which will analyse data to identify fraud committed against local government. The London Counter Fraud Hub will also help recover funds on behalf of local councils.

Edward Lord, chair of the Capital Ambition board, said: ‘The London Counter Fraud Hub is a fantastic example of London local government coming together in its entirety to address a critical loss of revenue at a time of unprecedented budget cuts.

‘This has the potential to save local authorities significant sums of money and could prove a very good investment in the fight against fraud.”

The hub will be led by Ealing Council and was set up using a grant from the Department for Communities and Local Government.