A council investigated 13 cases of fraud involving its own staff or partners between April 2017 and January 2018.

A Waltham Forest Council report has revealed the authority internally declared and dealt with 13 incidents of fraud.

Cases included theft, abuse of position and contractor fraud.

The majority of cases involved council employees.

Investigations resulted in four council employees or associates being dismissed or resigning.

In one case an individual was found guilty of fraud, but no action was taken. Another case was dropped after fraud could not be proved.

Investigators took into account the council’s code of conduct, financial procedures and procurement rules when reviewing cases.

Cllr Liaquat Ali, cabinet member for transformation and commercial services, said: “Waltham Forest Council is committed to the highest standards of conduct. We take allegations of fraud extremely seriously and we will take robust action against any members of staff who do not maintain the high ethical standards we expect.

“As a result of the 13 internal investigations, four members of staff have been dismissed or chose to resign, and six were subject to recommendations following the investigations.”