Council Constitution

Part 5(c) - Anti Fraud and Corruption: Statement Of Intent

The consequences of fraud and corruption affect all employees, service users and council tax payers as every pound lost results in fewer jobs, reduced services and higher council tax bills and can impact upon the delivery of the Council’s reputation and its ability to achieve its corporate objectives.

The Council has formally decided that :

1. We will not tolerate malpractice or wrongdoing. We are determined that all instances of malpractice will be fully investigated and will ensure that appropriate action is taken against all those concerned.
    
2. We believe that members of the public, councillors, employees, contractors or any other interested party should feel able to report any cases of malpractice or wrongdoing without fear of recrimination.
    
3. All councillors and employees are asked to exercise proper stewardship of public money and put in place appropriate systems and procedures, incorporating efficient and effective internal controls, to prevent and detect fraud and corruption.

The internal controls include:

1. Detailed policy and guidance documents

These include:
 

• The Audit and Accounts Regulations
• The Constitution
  • Code of Conduct for Councillors
  • Procurement Standing Orders
  • Terms of Reference of Committees
  • Scheme of delegation
  • Protocol on accepting Gifts and Hospitality
  • Standards of Conduct and Ethics (incorporating Code of Conduct for Tameside MBC Employees)
• IT Security Policy
• Whistleblowing policy
• Each Service Unit’s procedural manuals,

2. Training

We will ensure that employees are informed and trained on policies which apply to their role

3. Recruitment

We will take steps to establish the previous record of potential employees to ensure that we minimise the risk of employing those who are likely to engage in fraud or corrupt practices.

4. Culture

We will promote an anti fraud culture by promotion and publicity on anti fraud issues. All managers are responsible for promoting an anti-fraud culture in their service. Maintenance of a zero tolerance approach to fraud requires the efforts of every member and officer of the Council.

5. Contractors

We will ensure that contractors are informed about the policies and procedures and take rigorous action against any corruption or fraud identified by contractors.

6. Partnership working

We will work in partnership with others to prevent and detect fraud. Tameside is at the forefront of this by hosting the National Anti-Fraud Network. We will also continue to work with our partner councils across Greater Manchester, with the Department of Work and Pensions and the Audit Commission.

7. Deterring Fraudulent Activity

There are a number of ways to deter potential fraudsters from committing or attempting fraudulent or corrupt acts, whether they are inside and/or outside of the Council, and these include: -

• Publicising the fact that the Council is firmly set against fraud and corruption and states this at every appropriate opportunity
• Including appropriate anti-corruption clauses in contracts
• Acting robustly and decisively when fraud and corruption are suspected and proven
• Taking action to effect the maximum recoveries for the Council
• Having sound internal control systems, that still allow for innovation, but at the same time do not provide the opportunity for fraud and corruption.
• The operation and advertising of a fraud hotline in the Housing Benefits Unit.