Introduction
We are required by the Local Government Transparency Code 2015 to publish this information
Number of occasions they use powers under the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud (Power to Require Information) (England) Regulations 2014, or similar powers.
This is not directly applicable to Somerset County Council as we are not a housing authority. These powers have therefore not been used.
Total number (absolute and full time equivalent) of employees undertaking investigations and prosecutions of fraud
Somerset County Council has externalised its internal audit function to the South West Audit Partnership (SWAP), and buys 1,400 ‘audit days’ back from this local authority owned non profit company. It therefore does not have any staff employed specifically for this work.
However:
- Within the internal audit plan 2019/2020, there are a number of audits included which have a direct link to fraud and governance. Auditors are always mindful of potential fraud risks on every audit they undertake.
- As and when a potential fraud needs investigating, days are drawn down from SWAP as and when required.
- Under the current bi-annual round of the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) scheme, relevant officers in payroll, pensions, accounts payable, accounts receivable, blue badges, insurance, VAT and concessionary fares have reviewed over 6,800 data ‘matches’, where NFI work suggested potential irregularities. It is not possible to quantify the FTE involved, but this a significant amount of work.
- The latest NFI data ‘matches’ were received in January 2017 and officers will continue the exercise with the new data.
Total number (absolute and full time equivalent) of professionally accredited counter fraud specialists.
No staff – see above for details. SWAP has a number of suitably qualified counter fraud specialists that are engaged as and when required.
Total amount spent by the authority on the investigation and prosecution of fraud
As above – not possible to quantify the NFI activity in particular.
Total number of fraud cases investigated
Six local cases of potential fraud or irregularity have been investigated in 2016. Some have been closed and some are with the Police or Crown Prosecution Service.
Total number of cases of irregularity investigated
Some 6,800 data ‘matches’ (as above) have been examined in the last. Six total fraud irregularities have been investigated, with fraud specialist, legal and police advice as appropriate.
Total number of occasions on which
a) fraud and
b) irregularity was detected
Depends on outcome of active cases.
Total monetary value of
a) the fraud and
b) the irregularity that was detected
Depends on outcome of active cases.
Total monetary value of
a) the fraud and
b) the irregularity that was recovered
None yet for these cases.
NFI work on the last bi-annual round also detected c£31,800 of genuine errors that are all in the process of being recovered.
Useful links to further information
Audit Committee Annual Report on Fraud 2021
Audit Committee annual report on anti-fraud and corruption work
Contact details for further information
Chief Internal Auditor – Jason Vaughan – Director of Finance – JZVaughan@somerset.gov.uk
South West Audit Partnership – www.southwestaudit.co.uk/
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