BROMSGROVE fraud busters have saved taxpayers nearly £65,000 by detecting false benefit claims by residents.

During the past 12 months, officers at Bromsgrove District Council have made 243 inquiries into benefit scams and instigated one prosecution.

An information report for the authority's executive cabinet, which is due to meet tonight (Wednesday) reveals that 1,685 council tenants in Bromsgrove receive housing benefits and 699 private tenants claim the benefit.

It says £64,731 has been saved through the discovery of deception.

The council's revenue manager, Lee Butler, said five officers dedicate their time to detecting and preventing fraudulent claims.

"As part of the housing and council benefits framework people must now show proof of identification and prove their financial status before they can claim benefits," said Mr Butler.

Mr Butler said around a dozen serious fraud claims had been detected in the past year.

The council can caution offenders or charge them a penalty.