A NEW hotline set up by Redditch Council to combat fraud has proved a big success in its first week, with investigators taking 28 calls.

The hotline was set up for people to report others who they suspect are abusing the housing and council tax benefits system, for example by claiming money when they are working.

All calls are followed up by a team of investigators, who gather evidence before taking action.

A council spokesman said: "It has been an excellent success in the first week.

"The hotline is for people to call if they suspect anyone of abusing the system and claiming benefits they are not entitled to.

"Calls can be confidential and obviously we will follow up any information given to us."

He added: "The message is 'please keep calling'."

Last year, the fraud investigation team uncovered £385,000 of false claims and this year, their target is £121,000, set by the Government.

The council is currently pursuing two cases of fraudulent benefit claims at Redditch Magistrates Court.

The hotline number is 534164.