We are under a duty to protect the public funds that we administer. Data supplied to us may be used for the purposes of detecting and preventing fraud, error, corruption or other criminal activity. Information will also be shared with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds or where undertaking a public function, in order to prevent and detect fraud. These bodies include, but are not limited to:
- other Local Authorities
- Department for Work and Pensions
- Audit Scotland
- Police Scotland
- HMRC
- the Cabinet Office
National Fraud Initiative
The Cabinet Office’s National Fraud Initiative (NFI) is a data matching exercise to assist in the prevention and detection of fraud. Computer records held by public bodies are matched and compared. This is usually personal information and allows potentially fraudulent claims and payments to be identified. These are then investigated by ourselves but no assumption is made as to whether there is fraud, error or other explanation until an investigation is carried out.
You can find out more about the NFI and code of conduct on the UK Government website.
Whistleblowing
Information from anyone concerned about fraud (whistleblowing) may be reported on our Fraud hotline 01835 826835 or our online form. Reports can be made anonymously however, better outcomes are achieved where people are prepared to provide their contact details. The identity of anyone reporting a potential fraud will be treated confidentially in terms of the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 and our code of practice.