Council crackdown on fraudsters
Warwickshire County Council has refreshed its approach to the management of fraud and corruption.
A revised anti-fraud and corruption policy and strategy were approved by the council’s cabinet last month. The document takes a firm stance towards fraud and corruption and introduces a series of measures designed to further protect the public purse.
The county council is developing a strong anti-fraud culture within the organisation. The new policy and strategy cover any fraudulent or corrupt activity committed against the county council by staff, councillors, suppliers and other organisations working with the authority.
To reduce fraud and corruption the county council aims to raise awareness of fraud together with implementing further preventative measures. Fraud will also be managed through the council’s risk management strategy.
The council will take firm action including enforcing sanctions against individuals and organisations and seeking financial redress from fraudsters.
Cllr Alan Farnell, Leader of Warwickshire County Council, commented: “Elected members and employees play a key role in achieving our goal of a zero tolerance approach to fraud and corruption.
“Maintaining an anti-fraud culture from the top to bottom of any organisation is essential to combating this kind of activity.
“Our responsibility is to protect county council resources and taxpayers’ money, and this strategy provides a clear programme of how we will get tough on any crooked or unethical behaviour.”
Fraud is defined as obtaining money, property or services dishonestly by making a false representation, failing to disclose information or abusing a position of trust. Corruption is offering, giving, soliciting or acceptance of an inducement or reward which may influence the action of any person.
The strategy will be periodically reviewed by the Audit and Standards Committee.