THE city's fraud investigation team is set to expand to further protect public funds for those in need.

Oxford City Council's team will now work with Cherwell District Council and South Northamptonshire Council to prevent and detect fraud.

In 2017/18 the team saved the council £3.5m and recovered 11 social housing properties in the hands of non-authorised occupants.

The city council's board member for finance and asset management, Ed Turner, said: "The city council has long been committed to countering public sector fraud in all its aspects.

"We decided to invest in a dedicated, professional investigation service when many other councils were cutting back theirs."

He added: "Defrauding public funds deprives those who are in need and who are genuinely entitled.

"I'm sure that this new partnership with Cherwell District Council and South Northamptonshire Council will prove beneficial and result in a reduction in fraud in both districts."

The three councils will work together to detect irregularities and instances of fraud.