Anti Fraud Policy

Fraud is the intentional distortion of records carried out for gain.

Corruption is the offering, giving, soliciting or acceptance of an inducement or reward, which may influence the decision or action of any person(s).

For the purposes of this policy, corruption includes the use of computers and any other electronic communication equipment in breach of the Council’s E-mail and Internet policy (for example, to harass, defame or defraud, or for material that is illegal, pornographic, sexist or racist).

Anti-Fraud Policy Statement

Hastings Borough Council is committed to the proper accountability of public funds and condemns fraud and corruption in public life.  Any fraudulent or corrupt act may inflict great damage on the Council in terms of both finance and reputation.  All such irregularities will be treated with the utmost seriousness.

Any employee, Councillor, contractor, partnership organisation or member of the public who suspects that an irregularity is being committed has a duty to report their concerns to one of the people set out in the Council's Confidential Reporting Policy.

Anti-Fraud Measures

The measures being taken by the Council to minimise the risk of fraud and corruption include:

• Clear codes of conduct for Officers and Councillors
• Clear roles and responsibilities for preventing and detecting fraud
• Effective Standing Orders, Financial Regulations, and Operational Procedures incorporating a sound system of internal check commensurate with the level of risk.
• The presence of on-site internal audit and benefits fraud investigation services
• A clear code for declarations of interest
• A confidential out-of-hours telephone reporting line
• A clear Confidential Reporting Policy to ensure that suspicions are properly investigated.