The authority’s counter‑fraud team investigated 405 allegations in 2024/25 — up from 383 the previous year — ranging from tenants subletting council homes to fraudulent claims for benefits, council tax relief and misuse of blue badge parking permits.
More than £700,000 of the total savings came from tackling social housing fraud, with the remainder linked to overpayments of housing and welfare benefits and council tax.
Council leader Rob Stewart said the figures showed Swansea was “not a soft touch” for fraudsters.
“Among local authorities in Wales our fraud team helped lead the way in seeking out, detecting and acting in cases of fraud,” he said. “Our counter‑fraud team’s approach had a clear deterrent effect on would‑be fraudsters. We will challenge fraud wherever we find it, aiming to bring to justice those engaged in such practices.”
The annual report, which goes before the council’s Governance and Audit Committee this week, also shows a fall in internal fraud allegations. Thirteen cases were reported among a workforce of more than 11,000, down from the previous year. Ten have been concluded — one resulting in dismissal — while three remain under investigation.
The council says one factor behind the rise in overall reports is the introduction of an online tool making it easier for residents to flag suspected fraud.
Cllr Stewart added: “Fraud is something that happens in society in general and, like other organisations, councils are targets both by individuals and by more organised criminals. It is vital that public money reaches those who genuinely need it.”
