Audit and Standards Committee

 Agenda Item 9

Subject:                    Counter Fraud Annual Report 2022-23

Date of meeting:    27^th June 2023

Report of:                 Executive Director of Governance, People and Resources

Contact Officer:      Name: Simon White, Audit Manager Counter Fraud

                                    Tel: 07779 455501

                                    Email: simon.white@surreycc.gov.uk

Name: Russell Banks (Chief Internal Auditor)

                                    Tel: 07824 362739

                                    Email: russell.banks@eastsussex.gov.uk

Ward(s) affected:   All

For general release

1. Purpose of the report and policy context

1.1 The report covers the counter fraud work completed in the year from 1^st April 2022 to 31^st March 2023 in accordance with the Counter Fraud Strategy and Framework.

2. Recommendations

2.1 That Committee note the counter fraud activity completed during 1^st April 2022 to 31^st March 2023.

3. Context and background information

3.1 The Council’s Internal Audit team investigates allegations of fraud and irregularity against the Council and is committed to upholding the Council’s Counter Fraud Strategy and Framework. The Council’s strategy is aligned to the Fighting Fraud and Corruption Locally Strategy which is the governments ‘blueprint’ for tackling fraud in Local Government.

3.2 Within Internal Audit, the Counter Fraud Partnership Team comprises four auditors with counter fraud expertise who work across all departments and three housing fraud investigators. Together they provide a dedicated proactive counter fraud and responsive investigation function. It also works on behalf of the Council to ensure that its counter-fraud arrangements are robust by raising awareness of fraud risk, reviewing and improving fraud risk management arrangements, using data to actively identify fraudulent activity and monitoring the extent to which the Council is impacted by fraud. Where fraud is suspected or identified, the team provides a professional investigation service and advises on control measures that will prevent recurrence.

4. Analysis and consideration of alternative options

4.1 The Counter Fraud Annual Report outlines:

· Details of the work undertaken during the period 1^st April 2022 to 31^st March 2023;

· Outcomes from investigation activities; and

· Other counter fraud activity.

5. Community engagement and consultation

5.1 None

6. Conclusion

6.1 The committee is asked to note the report.

7. Financial implications

7.1 There are no direct financial implications arising from the recommendation of this report. Counter Fraud activities were delivered within existing budgetary resources.

Name of finance officer consulted: James Hengeveld  Date consulted (02/06/23)

8. Legal implications

8.1 The Council’s Audit & Standards Committee has delegated authority for reviewing and providing reassurance on the Council’s arrangements for preventing and detecting fraud and corruption.

Name of lawyer consulted: Victoria Simpson      Date consulted 05/06/23

9. Equalities implications

9.1 None

10. Sustainability implications

10.1 None

11. Other Implications [

11.1 None

Supporting Documentation

Appendices

1. Counter Fraud Annual Report 2022/23