Issue - meetings

This report details counter fraud work carried out by Internal Audit to provide assurance on the Council’s response to combating fraud & corruption. 

Internal Audit have investigated all allegations of suspected fraud or financial irregularity in a proportionate manner. 

One formal whistleblowing referral for the Council was received and investigated by Internal Audit during 2020/21.  

[PLEASE NOTE: Appendix A to this report is Restricted - Should the Committee wish to discuss the detail of Appendix A the meeting will be required to move into Confidential (Exempt) Session].

The Head of Audit and Management Assurance presented a report, a copy of which had been circulated to each Member and a copy of which appears as Appendix 'F' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The report provided the annual summary of counter fraud work undertaken by Internal Audit to provide assurance on the Council’s response to combating fraud and corruption. Internal Audit have investigated all allegations of suspected fraud or financial irregularity in a proportionate manner. A summary of outcomes and recommendations, set out by reference to category of fraud risk, was presented. A schedule of the detail of each case was also available on a confidential basis.

One formal whistleblowing referral for the Council was received and investigated by Internal Audit during 2020/21.  

In response to questions, the arrangements for making staff across the Council aware of the adopted Whistleblowing Policy were explained including a programme of training to raise awareness. An internal survey of a random selection of staff will take place to check levels of awareness and understanding.

RESOLVED that the Audit and Governance Committee notes 

(a)  the counter fraud work & investigations carried out by Internal Audit during 2020/21;

(b)  the whistleblowing referral received during 2020/21. 

Voting: Unanimous