The Audit and Risk Management Panel of Greenwich Council met on Wednesday, 21 January 2026, to review the performance of the Internal Audit and Anti-Fraud services for the third quarter of the financial year and to discuss the compliance of the Internal Audit function with Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS). The Panel noted the progress made in delivering the audit plan and the outcomes of fraud investigations, and agreed to a future report detailing the development plan for the Internal Audit function.

Internal Audit & Anti-Fraud Q3 Performance

The Panel received an update on the performance of the Internal Audit and Anti-Fraud services for the period up to 31st December 2025. In the third quarter of the 2025/26 financial year, 49 audits commenced, with 26 completed. The report highlighted that 100% of recommendations from 14 follow-up audits conducted over the last two years had been implemented.

In terms of anti-fraud activities, 50 referrals were received concerning Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support fraud, with 88% of these passed to the Department for Works and Pension's Single Fraud Investigation Service. There were 28 allegations of tenancy and housing-related fraud, with 12 investigations ongoing. For corporate-related fraud, 83 investigations were commenced, 81% of which related to Blue Badge misuse. The report also noted the introduction of the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Act 2025 and the Renters' Rights Act 2025, which introduce enhanced data powers, stronger recovery powers, and new investigation tools for local authorities.

The Panel noted the information provided and the report was in line with the statutory requirements of the Accounts and Audit Regulations 2015¹.

Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS) Internal Quality Assessment of the Internal Audit Function 2025-26

The Panel received an update on the compliance of the Internal Audit function with the Global Internal Audit Standards (GIAS). The report outlined the approach being taken to develop practice and standards, building on a previous assessment that found the service met 112 out of 114 criteria. Since that assessment, leadership roles have been strengthened with qualified CCAB accountants, and recruitment for an Internal Audit Manager is underway.

The report detailed regulatory and statutory changes impacting the function, including the GIAS themselves, the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023, the Public Authorities (Fraud, Error and Recovery) Act 2025, and the Renters' Rights Act 2025. These changes necessitate a focus on robust governance, risk management, and control activities.

The Panel was informed that work has begun on developing an action plan to create an internal control framework for the Royal Borough of Greenwich, which will involve reviewing and updating policies such as the Internal Audit Quality Manual, Anti-Fraud Policy, and Financial Procedures. The effective use of technology by the Internal Audit and Anti-Fraud service, as well as broader cybersecurity measures, was also highlighted. The Panel agreed to receive a further report on 17th March 2026, detailing progress and a development plan for the Internal Audit function.