Issue - meetings

[To note the contents of the latest Audit Services Counter Fraud update].

Mark Wilkes, Audit Business Partner, presented the report on n current counter fraud activities undertaken by Audit Services.

The Committee were advised that the fighting fraud and corruption locally strategy as per appendix 2, had been updated since the last edition. The council policy had already incorporated most the recommended strategy within their practices. The council’s practices would be reviewed against the checklist within the strategy and an update would be provided on any initiatives put in place as a result of this. Checks for fraud were being conducted on applications received for grants using the Governments spotlight system and Experian.

Following concerns of subletting, the Committee were advised that these cases would continue to be investigated during Covid-19 but it had placed limitations on how they could progress, and once restrictions were lifted areas such as conducting interviews would recommence.

Resolved:

1. That the contents of the latest Audit Services Counter Fraud Update be noted.

That it be agreed that update would be provided on any initiatives put in place as a result of a review on the Council’s practices against the checklist provided in the fighting fraud and corruption locally strategy as per appendix 2.