Fraudsters who pretended to be hard-up to swindle money out of the benefit system have cheated a council out of nearly £6million in the past ten years.

In response to a Freedom of Information Request from the Times Series, Barnet Borough Council admitting to paying out £6,302,097 to people later found to be committing benefit fraud.

The money was paid out to 231 people who were later convicted between 2005 and 2014.

The highest amount was paid out in the 2013/14 financial year, when £1,195,154 was given to fraudsters.

Although the authority says it is impossible to tell exactly much money has been recovered, 40 per cent is paid back by the Department for Work and Pensions. Courts also often order people to repay the money on payment plans.

In neighbouring Hertsmere, which covers Potters Bar, a similar request showed £916,063 has been paid out to 101 fraudsters since 2006. It has so far recovered £815,295 from the DWP and payment plans.

It is a criminal offence to fail to disclose information when claiming for benefits or to fail to report a change in circumstances that happens after making a claim.

Common examples include creating false tenancies, not declaring sub-tenants and failing to disclose income, a partner or an extra home.

Barnet Borough Council's anti-fraud unit prevents and detects fraudulent claims and prosecute those found to be committing fraud.

A statement from the Department for Work and Pensions said: “Most benefit claimants are honest, but the £1.2 billion stolen last year by benefit fraudsters nationwide is still a huge amount of taxpayer’s money being wasted.

"That’s why we’re cracking down on it and work closely with local authorities across the country to catch offenders.
 
“The message we would stress to people is, if you're on benefits, make sure you tell us and your local authority about changes to your circumstances straight away - or there could be very serious consequences.”

Barnet Council leader Councillor Richard Cornelius said: “The council takes all fraud against the taxpayer extremely seriously and we do all we can to protect the public purse and see that those responsible are prosecuted.

“The level of fraud we detect is a reflection of that, and the effectiveness of our corporate anti-fraud team.

“It’s unacceptable, especially in the current economic climate, for anyone to try and cheat the system. Residents can play their part if they suspect someone of committing benefit fraud by reporting it online or by calling our fraud hotline.”