Issue - meetings
CFEU Update Report (RIPA and IPA annual update)
Meeting: 27/05/2025 - Audit and Governance Committee (Item 13)
13 CFEU Update Report (RIPA and IPA annual update) 
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Summary/Purpose
To provide the Committee with assurance over the counter fraud activities of the Council. Direct updates will continue to be provided biannually.
Work streams are presented to the Committee detailing progress and results for consideration and comment as the body charged with governance in this area.
The report also provides the annual update in relation to the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA), the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA) and the Council’s existing authorisation arrangements.
Recommendation
That the Committee:
1. Considers and comments on the report.
Additional documents:
Minutes:
The purpose of the report was to provide the Committee with assurance over the Council’s counter fraud activities, including an annual update on the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 (RIPA), the Investigatory Powers Act 2016 (IPA), and the Council’s existing authorisation arrangements.
The Head of the Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit highlighted the following points:
- A new grant policy was nearly complete, with a supporting toolkit already rolled out to relevant staff.
- Support had begun for the procurement team in response to new legislation, focusing on improving transparency and procurement responsibilities.
- A collaborative fraud awareness webpage was being developed with local partners, offering advice, reporting tools, and localised scam information, with launch expected soon.
- Debt recovery from business grants continued, with clarification pending on liability for defaults after the extended transfer date.
- Investigations into council tax and housing data anomalies were ongoing, with revenue and loss avoidance figures reported, alongside training delivered to enforcement officers across six councils.
- Reviews ensured only eligible applicants remained on the housing list, helping reduce emergency housing costs.
- Investigations into council tax reduction fraud, staffing issues, and code of conduct breaches had been undertaken based on enforcement referrals.
- An annual update on surveillance and communications data access was provided, confirming all overt activity followed internal oversight procedures.
The Chair shared that the Chief Executive of the Public Sector Fraud Authority, Mark Fiesman, had visited and praised the Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit (CFEU) for its effective operation on the Council’s behalf.
The Committee asked the Head of the Counter Fraud and Enforcement Unit whether she was assured that internal controls and whistleblowing systems were sufficient. The Head of Service expressed interest in including agency and contractor payroll data to strengthen delivery. The Committee was advised that internal measures ensured appropriate staff management and role fulfilment.
The Deputy Chief Executive Officer informed the Committee that the CFEU was responsible for the Council’s Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy, focusing on fraud prevention and rigorous investigation, potentially leading to prosecution. The team also played an educational role, raising awareness among councillors and staff, particularly regarding procurement and cybersecurity risks. Training materials, such as the “Dodgy Dave” case, were used to illustrate how fraud can escalate across council operations.
RESOLVED: The Audit and Governance Committee NOTED the CFEU Update Report.