The Audit and Governance Committee of Newham Council met on Wednesday 11 March 2026, approving a new Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy and its associated policies, and reviewing the council's annual audit results. The committee also discussed the council's risk management strategy and received an update on fraud investigations.

Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy and Policies

The committee approved the new Anti-Fraud and Corruption Strategy and its suite of associated policies. This comprehensive strategy aims to strengthen the council's defences against fraud and corruption. The approved documents include:

• Anti-Fraud Corruption Strategy Appendix 1 Anti-Fraud Corruption Strategy - Feb 2026 V1.1.pdf
• Anti-Bribery Policy Appendix 2 Anti-Bribery Policy - Feb 2026 V1.1.pdf
• Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Policy Appendix 3 AML Policy - February 2026 V1.1 1.pdf
• Fraud Sanction and Prosecution Policy Appendix 4 Fraud Sanction and Prosecution Policy - Feb 2026 V1.1.pdf
• Whistleblowing Policy Appendix 5 Whistleblowing Policy - February 2026 V1.1.pdf
• Policy for the use of the confiscation regime within the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 Appendix 6 Policy for the use of the confiscation regime within the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.pdf

The strategy was presented as a crucial update to the council's framework for preventing, detecting, and responding to fraud and corruption. The policies provide detailed guidance on specific areas, ensuring a robust and consistent approach across the council.

Audit Results and Annual Report

The committee reviewed the council's final audit results for the year ending 31 March 2026, as presented in the LBN Final Audit results report 27.02.2026 002.pdf and the LBN 2024-25 Final Auditors Annual Report 27.02.2026.pdf. The auditors provided an opinion on the council's financial statements and value for money arrangements. The report highlighted areas of good practice and any areas requiring improvement. The committee discussed the summary of changes to the audit report, as detailed in LBN Audit Report - Summary of Changes.pdf and Changes to the SOA from Audit and Governance Committee 250226.pdf.

Fraud Progress Report

An update was provided on the progress of fraud investigations within the council, as outlined in the Fraud Progress Report AC Final February 26 1.pdf. This report detailed ongoing cases, outcomes, and preventative measures being implemented to combat fraud.

Risk Management Strategy and Policy

The committee considered the council's updated Risk Management Strategy and Policy 2026 Final Draft.pdf, presented in the Risk Management Strategy Policy AGC Paper.pdf. This strategy sets out the framework for identifying, assessing, and managing risks across the council to ensure objectives are met and services are delivered effectively. A separate Risk update AGC 25 02 2026.pdf provided a current overview of the council's risk landscape.

Waivers

The committee reviewed a report on Waivers - Oct - Dec 25 Final.pdf, which included Appendix 1 Waivers 1 Oct 25 - 31 Dec 25.pdf. This report details any instances where council procedures or policies were waived during the specified period, providing transparency on such decisions.

Action Log

The committee reviewed the ACTION LOG - MASTER AC100326.pdf, which tracks the progress of actions agreed at previous meetings. This ensures accountability and follow-through on committee decisions.