A NEW fraud investigation service is going live in Hillingdon this November.

The borough has been selected as one of the first to have the authority to investigate all cases of benefit and tax credit fraud.

In the past, the Department for Work and Pensions Fraud Investigation Service and local authorities carried out investigations separately, while tax credit fraud was investigated by HMRC.

The new service will promote joint working between these groups, with a single point of contact to make it easier for people to highlight suspected benefit fraud.

Corby, Glasgow City and Wrexham councils have also been invited to participate.

A predicted £5.3bn is lost across the UK to tax credit and benefit fraud.

If you suspect someone of benefit fraud, call Hillingdon’s confidential hotline on 0800 3898313.