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Issue - meetings

Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit Update Report

 

 

Meeting: 30/11/2023 - Audit and Governance Committee (Item 242)

242 Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit Update Report pdf icon PDF 109 KB

Purpose

To provide the Committee with assurance over the counter fraud activities of the Council.  Direct updates will continue to be provided twice a year. Work plans are presented to the Committee detailing progress and results for consideration and comment as the body charged with governance in this area.

 

Recommendation

That the Committee considers the report and work plan at Annex A.

 

Invited

Emma Cathcart, Head of Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

The Head of Service for the Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit (CFEU) introduced the item highlighting the work of the multi-agency approach to fraud or MAAF Group to combat online scams. They also highlighted ongoing work relating to business grant debt collection and the transfer of debt liability to the Department of Business and Trade where appropriate.  They also updated the Committee in relation to work relating to National Fraud Initiative matches. They also touched on regulatory enforcement activities and outcomes.

 

Members discussed the report, and stated it was a testament to the fact that the Council takes tackling fraud seriously. Members discussed the following points;

 

  • Members sought more details on a confidential piece of work undertaken on instruction by the Monitoring Officer.   The Monitoring Officer explained the sensitivity of the matter and suggested going into a private session if a more detailed debate was required.
  • Members raised questions about matches related to council tax anomalies, seeking information on the percentage that are deemed fraudulent. The Head of Service for the CFEU stated that in 21/22, out of over 1000 matches, 77 resulted in amended accounts.
  • The Deputy Chief Executive acknowledged the unit's recognition on the Public Finance Award shortlist, and highlighted the exemplar work of the team.
  • It was stated that the impact of the Publica transition on the unit would be minimal.

 

 

RESOLVED: To NOTE the report and work plan.

 

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