Meeting:	Audit and Governance Committee
Meeting date:	14/05/2025
Report of:	Head of Internal Audit (Veritau)
Portfolio of:	Cllr Lomas Executive Member for Finance, Performance, Major Projects, Human Rights, Equality and Inclusion

Audit and Governance Committee Report: Counter Fraud Annual Report 2024/25

Subject of Report

1. This report includes the counter fraud annual report (annex 1), which summarises counter fraud work undertaken in 2024/25. It details levels of savings achieved by the council as a result of counter fraud work.  The report also provides the committee with information about whistleblowing concerns raised in the course of the year.

Policy Basis

2. The committee is responsible for the overview and effectiveness of counter fraud arrangements.

Recommendation and Reasons

3. The Audit and Governance Committee is asked to:

- Note the results of counter fraud work.

Reason

To enable members to consider the current risk of fraud against the council, this forms part of the committee’s responsibility for overseeing the effectiveness of counter fraud arrangements.

Background

4. Fraud is a significant risk to the public sector. Annual losses due to fraud and error are estimated as being as high as £81 billion in the United Kingdom. Veritau are engaged to deliver a counter fraud service for the council. The service helps mitigate fraud risk, investigate suspected fraud, and to take appropriate action when it is detected.

Consultation Analysis

5. No consultation was required in the preparation of this report.

Risks and Mitigations

6. The risk of fraud is constantly evolving. If fraud risk is not regularly reviewed and action is not taken to address it, then the council’s exposure to fraud will increase as will potential losses.

Contact details

For further information please contact the authors of this Report.

Author

Name:	Max Thomas
Job Title:	Head of Internal Audit (Veritau)
Service Area:	Veritau Limited
Telephone:	01904 552940
Report approved:	Yes
Date:	05/05/2025

Background papers

None

Annexes

· Annex 1: Counter fraud annual report 2024/25