INVESTIGATORS who battle fraud across the district have scooped a national award.

Bradford Council’s corporate fraud team investigates fraud against the authority, from disability ‘blue badge’ cheats to thieves who steal Council property.

The team has now won an award for excellence in counter-fraud at this year’s Institute of Revenues, Ratings and Valuation conference.

Over the last two years, the team has carried out more than 1,000 investigations, identified losses of more than £2m and applied 271 prosecutions or sanctions. The team also investigates social housing fraud such as illegal subletting, and has recovered 20 properties in this two-year period.

Bradford Council’s chief executive, Kersten England (pictured), said the counter-fraud team did “excellent work”.

She said: “I am delighted that we have received this award in recognition of our robust systems and the vision and hard work of the team.”