Issue - meetings

Anti-Fraud, Corruption and Bribery Policy

 

 

Meeting: 05/12/2019 - Cabinet (Item 82)

82 Anti-Fraud, Corruption and Bribery Policy pdf icon PDF 75 KB

Report of the Head of Corporate Resources

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 

The Cabinet considered the report of the Head of Corporate Resources in relation to the revised Sefton Council Anti-Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy for adoption by the Council.

 

The report highlighted that the existing Policy had been reviewed and revised in order to strengthen and improve the Council’s overall arrangements for the prevention, detection and investigation of fraud, bribery and corruption. The revised Policy provides guidance on how any individual can report, in confidence, any suspected fraudulent or corrupt activity.

 

Decision Made:      That the Cabinet:

 

(1)    noted the contents of the report; and

 

(2)     approved the revised Sefton Council Anti-Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy for adoption by the Council. 

 

Reasons for the Decision:

 

Sefton Council is required by law to protect the public funds it administers and to raise awareness in relation to any potential threats that may affect the financial and/or reputational position of the Council.  The revised Sefton Council Anti-Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy will support the Council’s commitment to creating an environment in which fraud, bribery and corruption is minimised and complements a number of other Council policies which support internal controls and expected standards of behaviour.

 

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

 

If the Council fails to put in place proper policies regarding fraud, bribery and corruption, it will be unable to demonstrate adherence to proper practices in relation to the prevention and detection of fraud and its actions or decisions could be challenged.

 

The Council also faces financial and reputational risk in that: -

 

  • standards of public service that the Council is attempting to achieve are undermined.
  • financial resources available to pay for vital services are reduced.
  • public confidence in the Council is affected.