Issue - meetings

(a)       That the updated Corporate Anti-Fraud & Corruption Strategy be agreed;

(b)       That the updated Fraud Response Plan be agreed; and

(c)        That explanation on the reasons for the length of time taken to complete the disciplinary process on the waste investigation be emailed to the Committee, including confirmation of whether the individuals were in receipt of full pay whilst suspended.

The Internal Audit Manager presented the updated Corporate Anti-Fraud & Corruption Strategy and Fraud & Irregularity Response Plan, both of which were to be submitted for approval to a future meeting of the Constitution Committee and publicised to Members and officers through a new e-learning facility.

In response to a question from Councillor Haydn Bateman, the Internal Audit Manager advised that the update included provision for annual reporting to the Committee on performance against the Strategy.

Councillor Alison Halford spoke about the impact of naming those found to be engaging in fraudulent activity acting as a deterrent to others.  When asked for progress on the waste investigation, the Internal Audit Manager referred to the update given by the Chief Executive at the previous meeting and reiterated the commitment to share a report with the Committee once the disciplinary processes had been completed.  Councillor Halford expressed her disappointment at the length of time taken and that this particular case had not yet reached a resolution.

The Chief Executive confirmed that there was no further update to share as the final case was still proceeding.  In respect of Councillor Halford’s initial comments, he spoke about the difficulties in naming those involved in any disciplinary action.  Any case involving the Police which proceeded to court was reported in the press and individuals named.  Following comments from Councillor Halford about the need to ensure that justice was not undermined, Councillor Glyn Banks said he felt that the correct procedure was being used and that the naming of individuals was not necessary as this was beyond the remit of the Committee.  Councillor Halford stated that the Committee had a responsibility to ensure that the system was working correctly and repeated her concerns around the length of time for the ongoing disciplinary case.

The Democracy & Governance Manager said that a response could not be given as those present were not equipped with all the facts surrounding the delay for which there may be a good reason, hence it would be wrong to assume there may be a fault in the process.  Councillor Halford also asked for confirmation of whether the individuals under the disciplinary process were in receipt of full pay whilst suspended, which would be at a cost to the Council.  The Democracy & Governance Manager noted that this detail was requested.

As a general point on the report, the Chief Executive advised the Committee that early notification was always given to the Internal Audit Manager on cases of suspected fraud or malpractice to determine the level of involvement, if any, by the Internal Audit team.

The Internal Audit Manager reminded Members that there was a difference between instances of fraud and disciplinary cases, however one could lead to the other.

RESOLVED:

(a)       That the updated Corporate Anti-Fraud & Corruption Strategy be agreed;

(b)       That the updated Fraud Response Plan be agreed; and

(c)        That explanation on the reasons for the length of time taken to complete the disciplinary process on the waste investigation be emailed to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 53