Issue - meetings

Report of the Executive Director of Corporate Resources and Customer Services

The Cabinet considered the report of the Executive Director of Corporate Resources and Customer Services that sought approval for the revised Sefton Council Anti-Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy for adoption by the Council. The existing Policy had been reviewed and revised to strengthen and improve the Council’s overall arrangements for the prevention, detection and investigation of fraud, bribery and corruption.

The revised Policy provided guidance on how any individual could report, in confidence, any suspected fraudulent or corrupt activity.

The Sefton Council Anti- Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy was attached to the report at Appendix 1.

Decision Made:

That the revised Sefton Council Anti-Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy be approved for adoption by the Council.

Reasons for the Decision:

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

Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

If the Council failed to put in place proper policies regarding fraud, bribery and corruption, it would 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 faced financial and reputational risk in that:

·       Standards of public service that the Council was attempting to achieve were undermined.

·       Financial resources available to pay for vital services were reduced.

·       Public confidence in the Council was affected.