Issue - meetings

This report details counter fraud work carried out 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. 

Four formal whistleblowing referrals were received and investigated during 2023/24.

NOTE: In relation to this item of business, the Committee is asked to consider the following resolution in relation to any discussion on the exempt appendix to the report:

“That under Section 100(A)(4) of the Local Government Act 1972, the public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involves the likely disclosure of exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 1, 2 and 7 in Part I of Schedule 12A of the Act and that the public interest in withholding the information outweighs such interest in disclosing the information.”

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 'G' to these Minutes in the Minute Book.

The report detailed the counter fraud work carried out by Internal Audit during 2023/24 to provide assurance on the Council’s response to combating fraud and corruption. Internal Audit had investigated all allegations of suspected fraud or financial irregularity in a proportionate manner. The report also referred to corporate counter fraud work, the annual publication of data in accordance with Local Government Transparency Code and an annual assessment in accordance with Counter Fraud Best Practice.

Four formal whistleblowing referrals were received and investigated during the financial year 2023/24. All cases were resolved in line with the Council’s Whistleblowing Policy. A summary of the nature and outcome of each referral was provided in an exempt appendix to the report. The Head of Audit and Management Assurance was asked about public tip offs and explained that there was a fraud reporting mechanism on the Council’s website which gave an option to remain anonymous. It was further explained that anonymous tip offs are inherently more difficult to investigate, principally as further explanations or details cannot be sought.  

The Chair thanked the Head of Audit and Management Assurance and his team for their work in this area and for providing such a comprehensive report.

RESOLVED that:

(a)  the Committee notes the counter fraud work & investigations carried out by Internal Audit during 2023/24; 

(b)  the Committee notes the whistleblowing referrals received during 2023/24.