FRAUD and whistleblowing cases at Dorset Council have fallen during the last financial year.

The figure for 2025/26 was down from ten cases in 2024/25 and 14 in 2023/24, although it was above the four cases recorded in 2021/22.

Three of the seven cases reported between April 2025 and March 2026 were upheld, three were not upheld and one remained open at the time of the report.

The upheld cases included an alleged fraudulent claim of working hours, alleged unauthorised access to data, and an allegation of undeclared secondary employment. Other allegations included claims relating to staff dismissal, the alleged financial exploitation of a service user by a family member, an allegation against a contractor, and an allegation against a senior officer.

The council report which will go to next week's Audit and Governance Committee, is asking councillor to note the figures and approve the approach to combatting fraud risk.

Not all claims are recorded in the committee report – some being dealt with through the council's human resources system.