To present to the audit and governance committee the updated anti-fraud, bribery and corruption policy for approval.

The chief finance officer presented the report.  

It was noted that the national fraud initiative consisted of the council working with a number of other agencies which included West Mercia Police, Department of Work and Pensions, HMRC as there could be overlaps with those agencies.  This was the most effective approach rather than each agency taking individual action.     

As part of the national fraud initiative, there was daily activity and data sets of fraudulent activity was shared among the agencies.   The chief finance officer gave an example of an attempt to defraud the council by trying to change bank account details.  Internal audit were notified and the details were then shared. 

As part of the counter-fraud work, data analysis was undertaken which can track where fraud may take place.    It was noted that there would additional resource from SWAP in connection with the counter-fraud work.  

A member of the committee commented that the council’s policy was fairly theoretical and high level when compared to the neighbouring authorities.   It was confirmed that currently there was only reporting to management board.  

The committee agreed that in future there would be an annual report presented which gave an overview of the strategy.    The report should outline the key risks within the council and how these were addressed or managed. 

RESOLVED

That

(a)     the updated anti-fraud, bribery and corruption policy at appendix 1)

(a)   be approved; and

(b)   that an annual report on the anti-fraud, bribery and corruption policy be included on the work programme for the committee.