Council and Government
Fair Processing Notice - National Fraud Initiative (NFI)
This authority is required by law to protect the public funds it administers. It
may share information provided to it with other bodies responsible for auditing
or administering public funds, in order to prevent and detect fraud.
On behalf of the Accounts Commission, Audit Scotland appoints the auditor to audit
the accounts of this authority. Audit Scotland also assists appointed auditors by
conducting a National Fraud Initiative which is a data matching exercise.
Data matching involves comparing computer records held by one body against other
computer records held by the same or another body. This is usually personal information.
Computerised data matching allows potentially fraudulent claims and payments to
be identified. Where a match is found it indicates 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. Audit
Scotland currently requires us to participate in a data matching exercise to assist
in the prevention and detection of fraud. We are required to provide particular
sets of data to Audit Scotland for matching for each exercise, and these are set
out in Audit Scotland’s handbook, which can be found at:www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/work/nfi.php
The use of data by Audit Scotland in a data matching exercise is carried out with
statutory authority:
- Until October 2010, under auditors’ powers in section 100 of the Local Government
(Scotland) Act 1973 and section 53 of the Local Government in Scotland Act 2003.
These powers may also be used, where appropriate, after October 2010.
- From October 2010, under new data matching powers expected to be included at Part
2A of the Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Act 2000 (as amended by Section
70 of the Criminal Justice and Licensing (Scotland) Act 2010).
It does not require the consent of the individuals concerned under the Data Protection
Act 1998. Data matching by Audit Scotland is subject to a Code of Data Matching
Practice. This may also be found at:www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/work/nfi.php
For further information on Audit Scotland’s legal powers and the reasons why it
matches particular information, see the full text (Level 3) fair processing notice
at:www.audit-scotland.gov.uk/work/nfi.php
For further information on South Ayrshire Council’s involvement in the National
Fraud Initiative you may contact:
Tommy Kennedy
Data Protection Officer
South Ayrshire Council
County Buildings
Ayr, KA7 1DR
Tel: 01292 612779
Email:
tommy.kennedy@south-ayrshire.gov.uk