Issue - meetings

Committee is asked to:

1.  Acknowledge the annual review of the Council’s Counter Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Strategy;

2. Approve the proposed amendments to the Council’s Counter Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Strategy; and

3. Recommend to the Council that the Constitution be updated with the revised Counter Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Strategy.     

The Committee received an updated version of the Council’s Counter Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Strategy, which sets out the Council’s ongoing commitment to preventing and addressing fraudulent activity. Members were advised that the strategy was reviewed annually in line with best practice and incorporated guidance from CIPFA and national counter-fraud frameworks. Minor revisions were proposed following feedback from senior officers, reflecting recent operational changes and aligning with good governance principles. The strategy had last been reviewed in March 2024, but due to the transition of internal audit services to the Southern Internal Audit Partnership, the updated version had not yet been formally adopted. The Committee approved the proposed amendments and agreed to recommend to Council that the revised strategy be incorporated into the Constitution.

The Committee noted that it was encouraging to see training being made available. The increasing prevalence of fraudulent cyber threats, including recent high-profile incidents affecting major retailers highlighted the importance of maintaining robust awareness and preparedness in this area.

The Committee resolved to:

1.    Acknowledge the annual review of the Council’s Counter Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Strategy;

2.    Approve the proposed amendments to the Council’s Counter Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Strategy; and

3.    Recommend to the Council that the Constitution be updated with the revised Counter Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Strategy

Meeting ended at 21:44