Purpose

To approve and adopt the revised Counter Fraud and Anti-Corruption Policy.
To approve and adopt the revised Proceeds of Crime and Anti Money Laundering Policy.

Decision

The purpose of this item was to present Cabinet with a revised Counter Fraud and Anti-Corruption Policy for approval and adoption. 

Councillor Patrick Coleman, Cabinet Member for Finance introduced the revised Counter Fraud and Anti-Corruption Policy, which had been updated to reflect legislative, regulatory and operational changes since its previous review in November 2022.

The Cabinet noted that the revised Policy continued to set out the Council’s responsibilities for preventing fraud and corruption, together with the key legislation and roles and responsibilities of Members, employees and other relevant parties. It had been updated to reflect the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023 and the introduction of the new ‘failure to prevent fraud’ offence, under which the Council and individuals could be held liable if it could not demonstrate effective fraud prevention procedures.

The revised Policy also included additional provisions relating to cyber-crime responsibilities, due diligence and compliance activities concerning tax evasion, as well as minor amendments reflecting changes to service arrangements and supporting documents.

The Cabinet noted that fraud awareness and whistleblowing training was being delivered across the Council during 2026/27 and that ongoing counter fraud risk management and enforcement activity continued to be monitored.  A request was made for a Members training session.

The recommendation was proposed by Councillor Patrick Coleman, seconded by Councillor Tony Dale and put to the vote.

Cabinet RESOLVED to:

1. Approve and adopt the Counter Fraud and Anti-Corruption Policy attached to this report.
2. Delegate authority to the Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Finance Officer to approve future minor amendments to the Policy, in consultation with the Cabinet Member for Finance, Assistant Director Counter Fraud and Legal Services.  

Voting record:

7 For, 0 Against, 0 Abstentions.