Agenda item

The Shared Anti-Fraud Service Manager introduced his report, which covered the first quarter of 2023/24 and updated Members on the work undertaken by the Shared Anti-Fraud Service (SAFS).

The Shared Anti-Fraud Service Manager drew Members’ attention to the key performance indicators contained within the report. He said that new post-pandemic employment practices had seen eighteen allegations and subsequent investigations into staff working ‘polygamously’. He detailed the seven civil penalties which had been imposed in cases related to Council Tax irregularities, and of the £44,000 in costs which had been awarded by St Albans Crown Court in connection with a Council Tax Business Rates fraud case.  

Councillor Hart asked for distinction between ‘fraud’ and ‘irregularity’.

The Shared Anti-Fraud Service Manager said that an irregularity was a human error and gave the example of an individual completing a Council Tax form incorrectly. He said that the council’s forms were of a standard format but did sometimes follow on from information which an individual had given to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Councillor Hart said that it would be helpful if an explanation of what the irregularities were could be given in future reports.   

Councillor Jacobs asked for clarification on how the council was at risk of tenancy fraud as it did not hold any housing stock.

The Shared Anti-Fraud Service Manager said that although the council did not own any housing stock it still held the waiting list for such properties. He said that this saw people present themselves to the council’s Housing Department  in need of support, when this may not be their true circumstances. The Shared Anti-Fraud Service Manager said that in such cases the property allocated may become abandoned or sub-let by the tenant, reducing the availability of housing stock for genuine applicants, and increasing the cost to the council for providing alternative temporary accommodation. 

The Shared Anti-Fraud Service Manager said that tenancy fraud was not huge in East Herts, but that its impact could be. He said that SAFS worked with social housing providers and the council’s Housing Team to reduce risks and encouraged the public to report any suspected cases of tenancy fraud.

Councillor Jacobs referred to paragraph 43 of the 2022/23 report asked for an update on the National Fraud Initiative (NFI).

The Shared Anti-Fraud Service Manager said that SAFS had completed 25% of all the NFI data matches. He said that SAFS ran this exercise in tandem with the Herts Fraud Hub.

Councillor Nicholls asked if there was data which illustrated how effective Anti-Fraud training/increasing the public’s awareness of fraud was.

The Shared Anti-Fraud Service Manager said that there was no such data, and that this would be difficult to obtain. He said that spikes in allegations from the public were seen following publicity campaigns, for example, post press releases. 

Mr Sharman asked if the number of fraud allegations was stable in East Herts, and if similar patterns were seen elsewhere.

The Shared Anti-Fraud Service Manager said that comparison with other areas was difficult as each was different, for example East Herts to North Herts. He said that patterns were roughly the same in East Herts as those of other Hertfordshire partners and were of no concern.

Councillor Hart referred to paragraph 50 of the 2022/23 report and asked if the SAFS remit included investigation into cases of alleged contractor overcharging.

The Shared Anti-Fraud Service Manager said that procurement fraud was not prevalent, but involved large amounts of money and subsequent press attention when it did occur. He said that bribery and corruption training was included in the SAFS training package.

The Chairman thanked the Shared Anti-Fraud Service Manager for his report.      

RESOLVED – that the progress by officers and the Shared Anti-Fraud Service to deliver the 2023/2024 Anti-Fraud Plan for the Council be noted.