Issue - meetings

FSD23042

This report was presented to the Committee to provide an update on counter fraud activity and outcomes for the 2022/23 financial year.

A Member enquired if the Council was experiencing increased levels of attempted cyber fraud activity. The Head of Audit and Assurance responded that the Assistant Director for IT was best placed to answer that question although she was personally not aware of any increased online fraud activity.

A Member commented that in his position as the Chairman of Executive, Resources & Contracts PDS Committee, it had been reported to him by the Assistant Director of IT that there had been an increase in the attempted  number of cyber-attacks. Reference was made to joint working with the DWP and it was felt that this working relationship was improving and that the DWP were becoming more proactive in terms of joint working arrangements. The success of the partnership agreement with the London Borough of Greenwich in relation to fraud detection and prosecution was also noted. An Independent Member commented that it would be good to have more focus on not just fraud detection and prosecution, but also on fraud prevention.

RESOLVED that the Counter Fraud Progress Report be noted.