Issue - meetings

To receive a report from the Group Manager for Performance, Governance and Data Security presenting the Committee with the reviewed and updated Policy for Anti-Fraud & Corruption and the Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy.

The Committee had before it a report * from the Group Manager for Performance, Governance and Data Security presenting it the reviewed and updated policy for Anti-Fraud & Corruption Policy and the Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy.

The contents of the report were outlined with reference to the following:

·         The review of the policy had been brought forward as an agreed action following an Internal Audit Counter Fraud Governance review in 2019/20.

·         Background reading had also been supplied to the Committee entitled ‘Fighting Fraud and Corruption Locally’ as it was hoped this would provide a useful context to consider the Mid Devon policy and strategy.

·         Minor changes had been made to the policy such as changing references to the ‘Audit Commission’.

Discussion took place with regard to whether enough consideration had been given within the strategy to how fraud was detected, how the council could protect itself more effectively and how the council would pursue potential instances of fraud. It was suggested that the strategy could explore these issues in greater detail.

RESOLVED that:

a)    The revised Anti-Fraud and Corruption Policy be approved.

b)      The revised Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy be deferred to the next meeting to allow consideration on how the strategy could be developed to reduce the risk of fraud.  

(Proposed by Cllr A Wilce and seconded by Cllr N V Davey) 

FURTHER  RESOLVED that:

The Group Manager for Performance, Governance and Data Security be given delegated authority to make minor amendments to these documents e.g. changes to job titles.

(Proposed by Cllr N V Davey and seconded by Cllr F Letch)

Reasons for the decision:

·         The policy and strategy support good governance arrangements enabling confidence in our delivery of the Corporate Plan.     

·         Not having these documents could result in not detecting fraud, corruption or financial irregularities, which could result in a loss to the Council.

·         Without this policy and strategy the Council is at risk of not detecting fraud, corruption or financial irregularities, which could result in significant loss to the Council and damage its reputation.

Note: * Report previously circulated; copy attached to the signed minutes.