23.03.16
New anti-fraud and corruption strategy for local councils published
A new strategy to tackle fraud and corruption has been published by the government today to provide advice to local councils.
The Fraud Landscape review, published by the National Audit Office last month, warned that fraud costs the public sector £20.6bn a year.
The guidelines, Fighting Fraud and Corruption Locally 2016, offer recommendations to local authorities including a structured programme on fraud and corruption awareness for elected members and senior managers, collaborating with other local authorities and profiling areas where they are at risk.
Cllr Claire Kober, resources portfolio holder at the LGA, said: “Councils work very hard to identify those who are cheating taxpayers, despite facing significant funding reductions in recent years, and will continue to do the best they can to deliver value for money for residents.
“Councils are constantly sharing knowledge about the best ways to tackle fraud. Good work being done across local government, such as recent success in combating tenancy fraud, highlights the value of this approach.
“Local authorities firmly believe it is important to account for every penny of public money and as a sector we are resolute in our determination to stamp out fraud. This updated strategy will provide a useful opportunity for councils to build on this work and review their counter-fraud work.”
Rachael Tiffen, head of the CIPFA Counter Fraud Centre, said: “Councils are battling a persistent tide of people who think they can get away with dipping into the public purse.
“Fighting Fraud and Corruption Locally 2016 brings together a powerful coalition to share knowledge and keep one step ahead of the latest scams. Together, we will make sure the fraudsters get the punishment they deserve.”
The guidelines also recommend the establishment of a working group from local authorities to create a standard methodology for measuring fraud and corruption