Agenda Item

 

 

 

 

Audit and Governance Committee

 18 January 2023

 

Report of the Head of Internal Audit

 

Counter Fraud Framework Update

 

Summary

1          This report presents the outcomes of the annual review of the counter fraud framework. It also includes a brief summary of national and local trends in counter fraud.

Background

2          Fraud remains a serious risk to the public sector in the UK. When fraud is committed against the public sector, money is diverted from public services into the hands of criminals. Fraudsters are constantly refining their tactics and techniques in order to circumvent the checks and controls put in place to prevent fraud from occurring. In order to protect income and assets public sector bodies must continuously develop their counter fraud measures to meet evolving threats. As part of the counter fraud service provided to the council, Veritau conducts an annual review of the counter fraud framework. This report presents the outcome of the latest review.

 

Counter Fraud Framework Review

 

3          Annex 1 presents the outcomes from the latest review of the counter fraud framework.

Consultation

 

4          Not relevant for the purpose of the report.

Options

5          Not relevant for the purpose of the report.

Analysis

6          Not relevant for the purpose of the report.

Council Plan

7          The work of internal audit and counter fraud supports overall aims and priorities by promoting probity, integrity and honesty and by helping to make the council a more effective organisation.

Implications

8          There are no implications to this report in relation to:

·                  Finance

·                  Human Resources (HR)

·                  Equalities

·                  Legal

·                  Crime and Disorder

·                  Information Technology (IT)

·                  Property

Risk Management Assessment

9          The council will fail to comply with proper practice if counter fraud and corruption arrangements are not reviewed periodically.

Recommendations

10      Members are asked to;

-              note the updated Counter Fraud and Corruption Strategy action plan and Fraud Risk Assessment at appendices A and B of annex 1

Reason

In accordance with the committee’s responsibility for assessing the effectiveness of the Council’s counter fraud arrangements.

 

 

Contact Details

Author:

Chief Officer Responsible for the report:

 

Max Thomas

Head of Internal Audit

Veritau Limited

Telephone: 01904 552940

 

 

 

Bryn Roberts

Director of Governance

Legal Services

Telephone: 01904 555521

 

Report Approved

ü

Date

6 January 2023

 

Specialist Implications Officers

 

Not applicable

 

Wards Affected: Not applicable

All

ü

 

 

For further information please contact the author of the report

 

Background Papers

 

None

 

Annexes

 

Annex 1 – Counter fraud framework report