The latest figures from National Fraud Initiative (NFI) identified millions in estimated savings to the public sector. The 2020/21 exercise in Scotland covered 132 public bodies, and identified areas of fraud involving housing benefits, pensions and council tax. The cumulative total valued at £14.9m, down from £15.3m the previous year.

The reduction in fraud could be due to public bodies strengthening their internal controls, NFI said. Improvements included revised procedures when setting up new suppliers, increased controls around the change of bank details, and a review of policies aimed at supporting good governance.