Fraud investigators have revealed cheats falsely claimed £700,000 worth of housing and council tax benefits in Gravesham last year.

Gravesham Borough Council has identified £535,136 was wrongly claimed in housing benefits while council tax fraud totalled £173,390.

The money was uncovered after 636 investigations into fraudsters with more than a thousand allegations made in the borough last year.

Inquiries led to the recovery of 10 council properties and 13 convictions for benefit fraud offences. Fifteen cautions were issued for minor offences.

Council leader Cllr John Cubitt said: "Fraud committed against the council is theft and the victims are the council taxpayers.

"It takes vital funds away from the council that could be used for other services and the misuse of council housing also contributes to the strain on social housing.

"As the figures prove, the council takes fraud very seriously. If you suspect that someone is committing fraud, you should report your concerns so that the matter can be investigated.

"If you are tempted to commit fraud of any kind against the council, be aware that you will not get away with it."

For information on how to report concerns, click here.