§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister if a hotline for reporting fraud within and against local authorities has been introduced. [83269]
§ Mr. LeslieSince a high proportion of fraud perpetrated against local government is benefit fraud by the public, the Department for Work and Pensions has established a fraud hotline which people can telephone to give information about benefit fraud. Many local authorities have also established fraud hotlines.
§ Tim LoughtonTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister how many local authorities have established staff anti-fraud practices; and what form these systems have taken. [83268]
§ Mr. LeslieThe Audit Commission's January 2001 publication "Protecting the Public Purse" included the following summary of anti fraud arrangements in local government:
120W
Percentage of councils answering 'yes' Question 1998 1999 2000 Does the council have an anti fraud and corruption strategy? 50 72 84 Does the council have formal arrangements to comply with the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998? n/a 56 87 Does the council have a police liaison contact? 46 74 80
Percentage of councils answering 'yes' Question 1998 1999 2000 Does the council have a local code of conduct for members? 89 91 92 Does the council have a standards committee? n/a 26 57