North Tyneside Council's counter fraud team took action against 100 people in the last financial year – between April 1, 2007, and March 31, 2008 – for a variety of offences.

The team identified 119 fraudulent claims for housing and council tax benefit.

Of these, 14 people were prosecuted through the courts, 46 received an official caution and 40 accepted an administrative penalty, where they must pay a charge equal to 30 per cent of any overpayment.

In addition, a further 47 claimants were found to be receiving more benefit than they were entitled to, however, no further action was taken.

The total amount of overpayments identified was more than £250,000 – which all must be repaid.

Coun Ray Glindon, cabinet member with responsibility for revenue and benefits, said: "We have a duty to all our residents to protect public funds through the prevention and detection of benefit fraud.

"Our team has achieved some excellent results, which have actually exceeded the expectations of the Department for Work and Pensions

"However, we are not complacent and will continue to identify fraud whenever it occurs and take effective action."

A 24-hour fraud hotline – (0191) 643 2300 – enables the public to provide information towards fraud investigations.