Elmbridge Council has received parliamentary praise for anti-fraud measures that uncovered more than £72,000 of benefit fraud.

Esher and Walton MP Dominic Raab raised the matter with Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, in the House of Commons on Monday, June 20.

Council portfolio holder for housing Councillor James Browne said: “I am very pleased Mr Pickles has recognised the work undertaken by Elmbridge Council to crack down on benefit fraud and single person discount fraud.

“The 10-point plan by the Secretary of State and the National Fraud Authority is a very useful reminder of the range of steps local councils could take to do more to tackle fraud over a wide range of areas.”