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Decision details

Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit Collaboration Agreement

Decision Maker: Cabinet, Council

Decision status: Recommendations approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: No

Purpose:

To seek approval to the Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit Partnership Collaboration Agreement between Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Borough and Cotswold, Forest of Dean, Stroud and West Oxfordshire District Councils.

Decisions:

The purpose of the report was to seek approval of the Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit (CFEU) Partnership Collaboration Agreement between Cheltenham and Tewkesbury Borough Councils and Cotswold, Forest of Dean, Stroud and West Oxfordshire District Councils.

 

The Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance and Transformation, Councillor Mike Evemy, proposed the approval of the collaboration agreement and explained how the partnership, which had been in place for seven years with six councils, had been crucial in preventing fraud and corruption, especially during the distribution of COVID business grants. The service was hosted by Cotswold District Council, and the proposal suggested continuing the partnership for another 10 years, with an option to extend for three more years. The report also highlighted that Cotswold would remain the host authority, with the option to give 18 months' notice if the responsibility was transferred. The Council was asked to approve the agreement.

 

Council discussed the report and councillors made the following points:

  • The CFEU was seen a being a highly accountable and competent unit which reported to the Audit and Governance Committee.
  • The service was seen as crucial for upholding trust, tackling fraud, and protecting public resources.
  • The operational and economic efficiencies achieved by the partnership would be difficult for the partner councils to achieve individually.
  • Cotswold District Council (CDC), as the host council, was commended for leading the way in this area.
  • Given the financial challenges faced by the Council, there was also interest in exploring potential revenue generation opportunities through the service. There was a desire to discuss expanding the service to support other local authorities or broaden its scope.
  • The two main areas of fraud were identified as being claiming single-person discounts for social housing and illegal subletting. The amounts involved were not seen as significant and it was unclear whether the recovered funds would benefit the Council or go to other bodies like government departments or housing associations. The emphasis was placed on using publicity to deter fraud.
  • Officers in the ERS service were commended for working collaboratively with the CFEU to bring successful prosecutions against fly-tippers, which generated revenue and discouraged others from engaging in the same behaviour.

 

The recommendation in the report was proposed by Councillor Evemy, seconded by Councillor Nigel Robbins, put to the vote and agreed by Council.

Councillor Daryl Corps did not vote.

Report author: Emma Cathcart

Publication date: 10/02/2025

Date of decision: 22/01/2025

Decided at meeting: 22/01/2025 - Council

Accompanying Documents:

 

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