Counter Fraud Policy and Strategy
Basildon Council is committed to protecting public funds by the prevention and detection of fraudulent activity across the Borough.
Counter Fraud Policy
In administering its responsibilities, Basildon Borough Council (the Council) has a duty to protect public funds and to raise awareness in relation to any potential threats that may affect the financial and/or reputational position of the organisation.
Three of the key risk areas that the Council is exposed to, by nature of its business, are fraud, bribery and corruption (see definitions in Fraud Response Plan below). These risks also extend to other acts involving dishonesty such as money laundering, which is covered by this policy.
The Council's Counter Fraud Policy supports the Local Code of Corporate Governance in promoting values for the Council and demonstrating the values of good governance through upholding high standards of conduct and behaviour.
Counter Fraud Strategy
Basildon Council is committed to protecting public funds by the prevention and detection of fraudulent activity across the Borough. In the current climate of reduced funding and financial hardship it is more important than ever that losses to the Council as a result of fraud and corruption are kept to a minimum to ensure that our limited resources are used for their intended purpose.
To deliver successfully against the Counter Fraud Policy the Council's approach and key priorities for the next three years are confirmed in this Strategy, which will be subject to regular review. Key actions have been identified and are set out in the Strategy Action Plan at Appendix A.
Fraud Response Plan
The purpose of the Fraud Response Plan is to provide guidance to employees, managers and the public to define responsibilities for action and reporting lines in the event of suspected fraud or corrupt activity. The use of the plan should enable the Council to prevent loss of public money, recover losses and establish and secure the evidence necessary for any civil, criminal or disciplinary action.
- Downloadable: Fraud Response Plan - July 2020 (PDF) [625KB] (opens new window) .