Anti-fraud strategy to be approved by council

AN anti-fraud and corruption strategy which reinforces a zero tolerance approach to wrongdoing is to be discussed by Carmarthenshire councillors.

The five-year strategy ties in with existing whistle-blowing and code of conduct policies and applies to council staff, councillors, schools and suppliers, among others.

It is due to be endorsed by the council’s audit committee at a meeting on October 16.

The strategy said the authority was committed to the highest ethical standards, and prided itself on its integrity and on maintaining high standards and a culture of openness.

The document said: “This strategy fully supports the council’s desire to maintain an honest authority, free from fraud and corruption.”

It said the council was committed to zero tolerance in relation to fraud and corruption and would continually review its systems and safeguards.

The document added that the prevention and detection of fraud, bribery and corruption were everybody’s responsibility.

“The council’s elected members and employees play an important role in creating this culture,” it said.

“They are positively encouraged to raise concerns regarding fraud and corruption, immaterial of seniority.

“The public also has a role to play in this process and should inform the council if they feel that fraud or corruption may have occurred.”

The council spends more than £580 million a year on services to 180,000-plus residents.

Councils investigate wrongdoing such as council tax and housing benefit fraud, and misuse of Blue Badges.

They also probe wrongdoing by employees.

One aim of the new strategy is to help encourage people to come forward with genuine suspicions of fraudulent activity.

But it came with a word of warning.

The document said: “However, we will not tolerate malicious or vexatious allegations or those motivated by personal gain and if proven, we may take disciplinary or legal action.”