A NEW team tasked with tackling fraud and the misuse of public funds could bring substantial savings to taxpayers, councillors insist.

West Oxfordshire District Council's cabinet today approved the participation in a Counter Fraud Unit, alongside other district councils in Gloucestershire, after hearing a business case last month.

The unit, which received £403,000 in Government funding in 2014, will be used to take on fraud against councils and social housing providers.

Deputy leader Toby Morris said: "The existing team we have saves the tax payer circa £200,000 a year.

"In leafy west Oxfordshire we are not immune to fraud. It is there and if we go looking for it we will find it.

"This unit will go a long way to save the taxpayer a lot of money."

Councillors were also urged to take part in new training sessions on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

Members of WODC are encouraged to attend the new sessions, which will advise councillors and officers on issues including abuse and mental health.

The call came as the cabinet approved changes to its safeguarding policy, bringing it in line with new legal requirements.

The cabinet also voted to approve changes to a levy which will see developers contribute to infrastructure across the district.

The community infrastructure levy will see a charge of £200 per square metre on developments of more than 11 units.

Council leader James Mills said it was good news for residents concerned about infrastructure in light of major growth.