Solihull Metropolitan Borough Council has a zero tolerance view towards fraud and we are committed to preventing, detecting and tackling fraud.
We use a variety of methods to prevent and detect fraud. As part of this, we share data both within the Council and with relevant external parties, including other Local Authorities, to identify anomalies that may indicate potential fraud.
How Do We Detect Fraud?
Information Sharing
We share information internally and also with other key parties in order to fulfil our obligations, or if it is required by law. Other parties include the Cabinet Office, Department for Work and Pensions, other Local Authorities, HM Revenues and Customs, Police, Fire Services, credit reference agencies, service providers / contractors and/or partner organisations.
Data Matching
In addition to sharing information, we also undertake data matching, where comparing both internal and external information to identify anomalies that may indicate potential fraud or error.
The Cabinet Office also conducts its own data matching exercises, utilising its statutory powers. This is commonly known as the National Fraud Initiative (NFI). We are required by law to participate in the NFI. More information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/national-fraud-initiative.
Computerised data matching allows potentially fraudulent claims and payments to be identified. Where a match is found it may indicate that there is an inconsistency which requires further investigation. No assumption can be made as to whether there is fraud, error or other explanation until an investigation is carried out.
What Information Do We Use?
To help us detect fraud we may share and process different types of information, including, but not limited to:
- Blue Badges
- Council Employee Payroll
- Council Employee Pensions
- Council Tax
- Electoral Register
- Housing
- Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support
- Insurance
- Licencing, including market traders, taxi drivers/operators, personal licences
- Property: including planning, building regulation, business rates
- Other Local Authority records held in respect one or more of the above
- Information provided by external bodies; utility companies, credit reference agencies and social housing providers (including Registered Social Landlords).
For further information about data sharing, or to report a possible fraud, please contact Solihull Council’s Internal Audit team on 0121 704 6067, or email antifraud@solihull.gov.uk.
Information on how to report benefit fraud.