Agenda item

Corporate Anti-Fraud Team Progress Report

Minutes:

The Committee received the report which highlighted the positive impact of activities within International Fraud Awareness Week in November 2021.  It was noted that work during International Fraud Awareness Week in 2022 would be more focused on sharing information with the public.


Members noted that payment diversion fraud continued to be an issue nationally and work had been undertaken internally to raise awareness amongst employees. The team are also planning to increase employee’s awareness of other fraud risk areas throughout 2022.

 

The team had continued to provide post event assurance to verify Covid-19 Business Support Grant payments. The BEIS are satisfied with the Council’s administration of the original  three schemes which have now been signed of as  complete. Details of  sampling of the remaining schemes is still to be received from the BEIS. .

 

Members noted the preventative work undertaken, which included reviewing  fraud awareness training and e-learning. 

 

Questions were raised regarding the progress in preventing future bank fraud. Members heard how a significant review had been undertaken and a number of action points raised. These revised procedures will result in a more robust control environment. It was acknowledged that existing systems were not weak, but actions would lead to further improvements.  It was noted that discussions were still being pursued with the bank regarding their processes in identifying fraud.

 

Members were made aware of the strengthening of the team, and the financial benefits of the team to the council, with £1.5M of  fraud, error and savings identified over the past 5 years.

 

RESOLVED:-

i)             That the Committee notes the progress report;

 

ii)            That the Committee continues to receive regular progress reports on internal and external fraud investigated by the Corporate Anti-Fraud Team.

 

Supporting documents:

 

A - Z Directory