Hundreds of thousands of pounds have been recovered from fraud investigations, according to figures.

Argyll and Bute Council said they had recovered nearly £800,000 over five years after wrongful claims for public funding.

The council said an example was someone claiming a single-person discount on council tax when they don't live alone. That can happen if someone doesn't update their circumstances.

Providing false information to claim council tax, second homes or business rates discounts can also be investigated. False details for blue badges was another example from the council.

They said if taken to court, false claims could be found to be criminal offences.

Helensburgh councillor Gary Mulvaney, vice-hair of the audit and scrutiny committee, said: "Anti-fraud action is all about protecting funding for people who really need it, and for council services that everyone uses.

"These are difficult times for the budgets of individual households and for council services. It’s important that public funding goes where it’s meant to go, to deliver most benefit.”

To report suspected fraud, visit www.argyll-bute.gov.uk/form/fraud-reporting-form.