Issue - meetings

REPORT OF THE SHARED ANTI-FRAUD SERVICE

To review and approve the Shared Anti-Fraud Services (SAFS) Anti-Fraud Plan 2022/23.

RESOLVED:

1.    That the report was noted.

2.    That the Committee reviewed and approved the Anti-Fraud Plan 2023/24

Audio recording – 42 minutes 44 seconds

Nick Jennings, Head of the Shared Anti-Fraud Service (SAFS) , gave a verbal presentation and advised:

·         The report should have covered two areas, but there is not a written report to cover the current year progress. So covering that as a verbal update.

·         The final report in summer 2023 would look over the delivery of the plan over 2022/23.

·         Following the last update at the December meeting, anti-money laundering training was given to Officers in line with the Council’s policy. Also delivered other fraud awareness training.

·         There were 76 allegations of fraud affecting Council services, with 32 reports from staff. 41 cases were live subject to investigation, with an estimated potential fraud loss of £154k.

·         36 investigations were closed at the end of February, with 26 identifying fraud error or irregularity. These totaled over £100k in losses.

·         SAFS were working with the Legal team to bring prosecutions on 2 cases.

·         Section 3 and 8 referred to guidance and best practice from organisations such as the Local Government Association, DLUHC, CIPFA, CIFAS and others.

·         The plan had been devised to meet the recommendations of the Fighting Fraud and Corruption Local Strategy.

·         The plan identified Officers and Members who had a role in delivering plan.

·         The Appendix listed activity and actions for next year to protect against fraud.

Councillor Terry Tyler proposed, Councillor Sean Nolan seconded, and after a vote, it was:

RESOLVED:

(1)  That the report was noted.

(2)  That the Committee reviewed and approved the Anti-Fraud Plan 2023/24.