More than ten per cent of cases of benefit fraud court cases committed by people from Harrow result in a not guilty verdict, according to new data.

The research, carried out by fraud defence lawyers DPP Law, showed that 35 per cent of cases did not result in a conviction across London.

London was considered to be the “benefit fraud capital” of the UK, accounting for more than four in ten cases.

Of these, ten per cent were committed by people from Harrow, with residents of Dagenham responsible for 30 per cent of the London share. Merseyside saw the second highest number of benefit fraud cases.

Roughly two-thirds of cases involved people over 40, while in terms of gender, the results were split fairly evenly at 52 to 48 per cent in favour of women.

Stuart Nolan, Managing Director at DPP Law, said that a number of cases involve “overpayment” and, on many occasions, this can happen without an individual’s intent to defraud.

He added that the data highlights the “broad spectrum” of benefit fraud and the “shades of grey” that accompany proceedings.

Those found guilty of benefit fraud are normally ordered to pay back the overpayment they received.

There may be additional penalties of between £350-£5,000 as well as a reduction or halting of further payments.

The Department of Work and Pensions, the government sector tasked with investigating benefit fraud investigations, encourage reporting from members of the public.

It has officers in the Fraud Investigation Service who are usually located in Jobcentre offices.