Issue - meetings

The Corporate Committee is responsible for Anti-fraud and Corruption arrangements as part of its Terms of Reference. In order to provide assurance that the corporate policy is consistent with relevant professional codes of practice and other best practice requirements, it is reviewed on a regular basis, with approval for the final Anti-fraud and Corruption Strategy resting with the Corporate Committee.

In line with the Committee’s terms of reference and as part of the CIPFA (Chartered institute of Finance and Accountancy) code of practice and the requirements of the Council’s whistle blowing policy, there was a need for the council to ensure that there were appropriate processes in place for the reporting and investigation of allegations of fraud and corruption. The Corporate Anti-fraud and Corruption strategy, Fraud Response Plan, Whistle Blowing Policy, Housing Benefit Anti-Fraud Strategy and Sanctions Policy and Anti–Money laundering policy, were attached for the Committee’s consideration and agreement.

The Head of Audit and Risk Management explained that there was significant work also completed with the Police and the UK Border Agency, e.g. the recent work between Adult services and the Immigration service to ensure that staff working in a contracted service had work permits.

 The Committee considered the potential circumstances where there could be exposure to money laundering or criminal activity and the arrangements in place to counteract this. The Head of Audit and Risk Management explained that although the council was bound by the regulations, local authorities were not considered to be high risk. However, procedures were in place to report and review cases which involved large cash transactions and cited an example of a council tenant suggesting they would repay arrears in cash. In the event the transaction did not take place, but the procedures in place demonstrated that the system worked as intended.

In answer to a question about public disclosure of the fraudulent claims being investigated that concern staff and residents; this was dependent on how much of the case was already in the public domain.  Where there was already information in the public domain the name and type of offence would be included. Where the information had not entered the public domain there would be a reference number and type of offence included. This was usually reported in the Internal Audit report considered by the Committee on a quarterly basis.

RESOLVED

That the revised Corporate Anti-fraud and Corruption strategy; Fraud Response Plan, Whistle Blowing Policy, Housing Benefit Anti Fraud Strategy and Sanctions Policy and Anti –Money Laundering Policy, be agreed.