A culture of transparency and scrutiny increases democratic accountability and helps strengthen counter fraud controls. The tables below provide fraud related information for the financial year April 2023 to March 2024, in accordance with the local government transparency code.
Employees
Employees undertaking fraud investigations in 2022/2023
| Total number of full time employees undertaking investigations and prosecutions of fraud | Total number of professionally accredited counter fraud specialists | Minimum qualification held |
|---|
| 3 |
3 |
Accredited counter fraud specialist |
It should be noted that Blackpool Council also employs a corporate investigations officer to undertake impartial internal disciplinary and grievance investigations. Dependant on workload, this officer may contribute to the undertaking of proactive fraud work.
The corporate fraud and investigations team is managed by the head of audit and risk.
Spending
Spending on fraud investigations in 2022/2023
| Description | Amount |
|---|
| Total amount spent on the investigation and prosecution of fraud and error |
£180,795 |
Fraud and error statistics
Cases investigated in 2022/2023 and their value
| Cases brought forward from 2022/2023 | Referrals received in 2023/2024 | Cases closed as fraud proven | Cases closed as error | Cases closed as no fraud or error identified | Value of fraud and error identified | Cases carried forward to 2024/2025 |
|---|
| 49 |
38576 |
11 |
691 |
4126 |
£315,890.47 |
33,797 |
It should be noted that powers under the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud (Power to Require Information) Regulations 2014 have not been used, as this is the responsibility of Blackpool Coastal Housing.