THE council has teamed up with another local authority to tackle fraud.

East Ayrshire Council has joined forces with Neighbouring North Ayrshire Council to stamp out fraud.

The two council's will be working together and sharing resources to protect both areas from corruption and fraudulent activity.

The Corporate Anti-Fraud Service will tackle suspicions, or allegations of fraud around Council Tax, Business Rates, Scottish Welfare Fund, Discretionary Housing Payments, Blue Badges and Housing Tenancies.

Both councils already benefit from close working in this area and the extension of this team enables expertise and resources to be shared.

The team will look at joint activities across both local areas, focusing on some of the key and wider issues affecting both councils.

Council Leader, Douglas Reid said: “The anti-fraud partnership with North Ayrshire Council is an excellent development which will strengthen our strong zero-tolerance message to anyone involved in, or contemplating defrauding public money.

“Regardless of the amounts, the level of activity, who, or where you are, fraud is unacceptable and we will work together to hold those involved in it fully accountable for their actions.”

North Ayrshire Council Leader, Joe Cullinane, Leader of North Ayrshire Council, added: “Our Anti Fraud team has proved very effective since it was established last year and we’re delighted to be building on its success with this joint initiative.

“Every penny in the public purse is crucial. We must use the money we have wisely, efficiently and target the people that need our help the most.

“We’re confident this new alliance with East Ayrshire Council will help us stamp out corporate fraud and send out a really powerful message to people that might be trying to beat the system.“