On Tuesday 26th November 2024, at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London, LBFIG, The London Borough of Waltham Forest, and the Royal Borough of Greenwich were on the shortlist for the Outstanding Fraud Prevention, Detection and Recovery at the CIPFA Public Finance Awards, giving London a strong representation amongst those shortlisted for the award.
We are delighted that the Internal Audit and Counter Fraud Team at the Royal Borough of Greenwich won the award and congratulate the team for their success – a very well done!”
Details of the submission and the judge’s comments can be found below.
The internal audit and anti-fraud team is committed to protecting the public purse via its strategies and procedures to prevent, detect, deter, investigate and sanction fraud.
It has an innovative corporate approach to combating fraud that embraces partnership working. Its approach delivers value for money, returning much needed funds to front-line services for Greenwich and all its partners. Investigations are conducted in a professional and fair manner, which has been recognised by customers, judges, solicitors and union representatives.
In addition, the team takes on investigations other teams might not, with a reputation for prosecuting fraudsters across an extensive range of council activities. Over 100 enquiries have been undertaken in Direct Payments, identifying £2m in ‘overpayments’ and £1.4m in projected savings with over a dozen prosecutions. And in March 2023, two people were sentenced to five years and 3.5 years respectively for their part in a complex conspiracy against the council.
Judges said: “Achievements in fraud prevention, detection and recovery are highlighted by recent successes with some high-profile fraudsters. This approach is being shared with other local authorities.”
For more results visit 2024 Winners - Public Finance Awards 2024
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