PART ONE
ITEM NO. 13
REPORT OF THE CITY TREASURER
TO THE: AUDIT & ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE
ON: Wednesday, 27th January, 2010
TITLE:
ANTI-FRAUD AND ANTI-CORRUPTION POLICY STATEMENT
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that Members of this Committee approve the Anti-Fraud and AntiCorruption Policy Statement which is to be adopted by the City Council.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The Council is required to have effective Anti-Fraud and Anti-Corruption measures in place
which demonstrates to stakeholders and other interested parties, the robust manner of the
City Council in how it responds to fraud and corruption.
The Council is keen to demonstrate that it treats fraud and corruption as threats to the
assets, reputation, and integrity of all of the City Council, and to this extent will utilise all
data systems, investigation teams ie Internal Audit, Benefits Investigation and Trading
Standards, to achieve its objectives of reducing the opportunity for fraud and taking the
appropriate action when identified.
Members are asked to approve this Policy Statement to further strengthen the work that the
Council is undertaking to minimise the opportunity for fraud and corruption, and to ensure
that robust action is taken should any instances occur.
BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS: See report below for details.
(Available for public inspection)
KEY DECISION:
DETAILS:
NO
N/A
KEY COUNCIL POLICIES: See references below
EQUALITY IMPACT ASSESSMENT AND IMPLICATIONS: None
ASSESSMENT OF RISK:
Special investigations are managed within Internal Audit’s risk based protocols aimed at
giving assurance regarding the management of the City Council’s key business risks.
SOURCE OF FUNDING: Existing revenue budget.
LEGAL IMPLICATIONS: Supplied by:
none
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Supplied by: none
OTHER DIRECTORATES CONSULTED: None
CONTACT OFFICER: Andrew Waine
WARD(S) TO WHICH REPORT RELATE(S): N/A
TEL. NO. 0161 607 6969
ANTI-FRAUD AND ANTI-CORRUPTION POLICY STATEMENT
The Council operates a zero tolerance approach to fraud and corruption.
We are committed to protecting public funds. Minimising the losses to fraud and
corruption is an essential part of ensuring that all of our resources are used for the
purpose for which they are intended: the provision of high quality services to
citizens.
The public is entitled to expect the City Council to conduct its affairs with integrity,
accountability, honesty and openness, and demand the highest standards of
conduct from those working for it and with it. Our overall objective is to identify and
maintain good practices, address weaknesses in current processes and introduce
improved systems for the management of those processes.
The Council expects all people and organisations that are in any way associated
with it to be honest, fair and act with integrity in their dealings with the Council, its
clients and customers. Members and employees are expected to lead by example
in these matters.
The Codes of Conduct for both members and employees set out an approach to
work that is both honest and fair. Members and employees must act in line with the
Codes at all times.
The Council’s strategy on fraud and corruption is to:
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Deter it in the first instance
Detect it quickly
Investigate it efficiently
Discipline and/or prosecute offenders where appropriate
Recover assets/income for the Council.
Members and employees must ensure that they avoid situations where there is
potential for a conflict of interest. Such situations can arise in situations such as
purchasing, tendering and externalisation of services. Effective role separation will
ensure decisions made are seen to be based on impartial advice.
Our Financial Regulations require that matters involving any suspected financial
irregularities are referred to the Strategic Director of Customer & Support Services.
The decision as to whether or not the irregularity should be investigated will be
taken at his discretion. All referrals are taken seriously and the action to be taken
guided by an assessment of the risk. Where fraud is found, appropriate disciplinary
action and police involvement will be taken. The investigative process should not
be misused and, therefore, any abuse, such as raising unfounded malicious
allegations, will be dealt with as a separate disciplinary matter/Standards
Committee if staff/Members are involved.
The Council provides a means of reporting concerns through its Whistle Blowing
Policy. All information received will be dealt with fairly and confidentially. An
undertaking can be given if required, not to identify the complainant who provides
the information, unless required by legislation.
Fraud and Corruption awareness is provided in various forms for all employees of
the City Council, by use of the Intranet, emails, payslips, and training modules.
In order to raise awareness of fraud & corruption in general, the Council will, in
conjunction with other agencies where necessary, actively promote regular
publicity campaigns. It will also issue instructions/advice aimed at encouraging
fraud awareness and reminding individuals of their responsibilities.
Where appropriate, the Council will publicise on the Intranet, the results of any
investigation to promote awareness, to deter, and to demonstrate the need for
preventative measures.
The City Council is committed to working and co-operating with other organisations
to prevent organised fraud and corruption. Wherever possible, the Council will be
prepared to help and exchange information with other councils and organisations
to deal with fraud.
The Council will participate in the National Fraud Initiative and exchange
information with other organisations, through the Audit Commission, for the
identification and investigation of suspected fraud cases.
This Policy Statement will be reviewed on an annual basis in line with best practice
and relevant changes in legislation.
The Council policies and initiatives which support this Statement are to be found in
the chart below:
Anti Fraud
Policy
Statement
Honesty Action
Web page inc
Guidance for
Reporting
Suspected
Fraud and Past
Cases
Benefits Anti Fraud
Statement
Investigations
Officers Group
Investigations
Panel
Whistleblowing
Policy
Prosecution,
Search, and
Interview
Policies
Money
Laundering
Policy