Decision details

9.1     The Committee considered a report by the Director of Finance, Performance and Procurement and the Head of Southern Internal Audit Partnership (copy appended to the signed minutes).

9.2     Mr Pitman introduced the report and informed the committee that the identified fraud was a typical spread compared to other authorities.  It was felt that the increase in numbers for 2017/18 was linked to better detection.  The number of cases was considered low given the size of the authority.

9.3     The Committee made comments including those that follow.

·         Queried the work being done with schools.  – Mr Pitman explained that work was being done to understand the controls that schools had in place.  Identified issues had been linked to hospitality gifts and IT controls.  The Committee asked if this work looked into false addresses used for school catchment.  Mr Pitman explained that this issue was looked at by school catchment works.

·         Sought clarity on the work on blue badges.  – Mr Pitman explained that this was an initiative being undertaken with Brighton and Hove City Council to detect fraudulent use of blue badges.  The Committee queried the level of fraud detected for this.  Mr Pitman reported that low levels had been found, but the work was important to deter a larger risk of fraud.

·         The Committee raised concerns on people challenging blue badge holders as not all disability was visible and reiterated the importance of bus passes for vulnerable residents.  – Mr Pitman explained that the report was looking at fraudulent use and would add detail to future reports to clarify this.

·         Asked if the whistle blowing process was adequate.  -  Mr Pitman explained that the whistle blowing hotline was publicised to many areas to also encourage external calls.  Work would continue on this initiative.

9.4     Resolved – That the Committee notes the annual fraud report for the year ended 31 March 2018.