Services
National Fraud Initiative
National Fraud Initiative 2008/2009
West Lothian Council is required by law to protect the public funds it administers. It may share information provided to it with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds, in order to prevent and detect fraud.
On behalf of the Accounts Commission, Audit Scotland appoints the auditor to audit the accounts of this authority. Audit Scotland also assists appointed auditors by conducting a National Fraud Initiative, which is a data matching exercise.
About data matching.
Data matching involves comparing computer records held by one body against other computer records held by the same or another body. This is usually personal information. Computerised data matching allows potentially fraudulent claims and payments to be identified. Where a match is found it indicates that there is an inconsistency which requires further investigation. No assumption can be made as to whether there is fraud, error or other explanation until an investigation is carried out.
Audit Scotland currently requires us to participate in a data matching exercise to assist in the prevention and detection of fraud. We are required to provide particular sets of data to Audit Scotland for matching for each exercise. These are set out in Audit Scotland's handbook (new window).
The types of data that we match.
The Council has participated in the NFI for a number of years by supplying information in relation to;
- Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit claimants
- Housing Rents
- Staff payroll.
The exercise is now being extended to include;
- Blue Badge holders
- Private Care Home residents
- Electoral Register (full voters role)
- Council Tax information (single persons discount)
Data matching Code of Practice.
The use of data by Audit Scotland in a data matching exercise is carried out with statutory authority, under auditors' powers in section 100 of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 and section 53 of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003. It does not require the consent of the individuals concerned under the Data Protection Act 1998.
Data matching by Audit Scotland is subject to a Code of Data Matching Practice (new window).
For further information on Audit Scotland's legal powers and the reasons why it matches particular information, see the level 3 fair processing notice (new window) .
Alternatively, a hard copy of the fair processing statement can be made available on request, please contact;
Revenues Unit
St David House
South Bridge St
Bathgate
EH48 1TT
