Agenda item

The Head of Internal Audit will submit a report providing details of the work of the Corporate Anti-Fraud Team for the period 1^st April to 1^st September, 2015.

The Head of Internal Audit submitted a report providing details of the work of the Corporate Anti-Fraud Team for the period 1^st April to 1^st September, 2015.

The report provided details of the following activities in which the Team were currently involved:

·         Council Tax Support investigations

·         Council Tax fraudulent liability claims

·         Right to Buy investigations

·         Corporate Investigations

·         National Fraud Initiative involvement

·         Tenancy Fraud.

The positive impact the Team was having in tackling fraud was very much welcomed and whilst the results of the Team’s work were relatively modest so far, significant results were expected in the latter part of the year. 

In the ensuing discussion, particular reference was made to the following:

·         The number of cases, workload and agencies in which the Team was involved

·         The use of an external organisation (and rationale for the use) to assist with the verification and investigation into claims for Single Person Discount.  In response to specific questioning, the Head of Internal Audit briefly commented on the arrangements in place to ensure due diligence.  A report on the first ‘tranche’ of the work undertaken would be provided for the next meeting.  Arising out of the discussion reference was also made to the importance of maintaining the reputation of the Council

·         The liaison arrangements in place with other organisations/agencies to pursue fraud enquiries

·         Particular reference was made to the types of investigation undertaken and the reasons for not pursuing some cases due to insufficient evidence

·         The arrangements in place to provide ‘reminders’ to residents of the need to keep personal information up to date

·         Particular reference was made to the potential for fraud associated with Right to Buy and the implications this had for the Authority

·         In response to specific questioning, reference was made to

·         the corporate investigations in relation to a review of a recruitment exercise.  It was noted that no issues had been identified as a result of this investigation other than an improvement in compliance

·         a data match investigation which had revealed certain overpayments

·         it was noted that generally, residents within the Borough had an excellent record in reporting changing circumstances.

RESOLVED

(i)      that the progress made in the development of effective arrangements and measures to minimise the risk of fraud and corruption be noted; and;

(ii)     that the Committee receive six monthly progress reports on internal and external fraud investigated by the Corporate Anti-Fraud Team.