Issue - meetings

Purpose of the Report

To present an updated corporate Counter Fraud Policy/Strategy and action plan for 2021/22 for approval, following a recommendation from the Audit Committee to the Executive on 6 July 2021.

Decision

That the updated corporate Counter Fraud Policy/Strategy and action plan for 2021/22 be approved.

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

No alternative options were specifically included in the report.  However, section 7 of the report referred to risk implications of not updating the Counter Fraud Policy. 

Reasons for the Decision

The Council had a range of counter-fraud policies, procedures and guidance. The corporate counter-fraud policy/strategy aimed to provide the high-level framework and direction which guides activity and other policy areas.  The policy/strategy was last reviewed in 2018.  The 2021 version, which the Audit Committee had recommended for approval on 6 July 2021, had taken account of the latest best practice guidance and had updated the fraud action plan.  It also recognised the increased risks to victims and the local community and there was more emphasis on tackling cross-boundary and organised fraud and corruption, as well as addressing new risks such as social care fraud and cyber issues.

The revised version also provided greater emphasis on tackling economic crime, which was defied as "a broad category of activity involving money, finance or assets, the purpose of which is to unlawfully obtain a profit or advantage for the perpetrator or cause loss to others".

The adoption of a revised counter-fraud policy/strategy would contribute to the Council's strategic priorities, by enhancing the robustness of the control environment and governance mechanisms that directly or indirectly support the priorities.