Over 450 public bodies - including councils, police authorities and probation boards - are being asked to take part in the latest Audit Commission national fraud and corruption survey.
Covering the 2010/11 financial year, the annual survey issued on 8 April 2011 will collect important information about a wide range of fraud and corruption issues, including housing tenancy and procurement fraud.
The survey is the only one of its kind in the public sector. Last year over 94 per cent of organisations responded to the 2009/10 survey. The last survey showed that local government have been successful in detecting over 119,000 cases of fraud and corruption committed against it, the majority relating to housing and council tax benefit fraud, equating to more than £135 million lost to public services.
The high response rate ensures the survey is the most authoritative and comprehensive basis for analysis and comparison. By helping to build a picture of the levels of identified fraud and corruption in local government across England, the survey can be used to inform the national debate, and develop national and local strategies, on combating fraud and corruption. The survey results will be published in our national report entitled 'Protecting the Public Purse 2011' later this year.
Notes for editors
- The submission of information for this survey is required under section 48 of the Audit Commission Act 1998.
- A copy of the Audit Commission's 'Protecting the Public Purse' report 2010 can be found at www.audit-commission.gov.uk/nationalstudies/localgov/protectingpublicpurse
- The Audit Commission is an independent watchdog, driving economy, efficiency and effectiveness in local public services to deliver better outcomes for everyone.
- Our work across local government, health, housing, community safety and fire and rescue services means that we have a unique perspective. We promote value for money for taxpayers.
- On 13 August 2010 the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government announced that he plans to disband the Audit Commission. His intention is to have new arrangements in place for auditing England's public bodies by 2012/13.
For further information please contact:
Nick Rigg
Corporate Communications Manager,
Audit Commission, Millbank Tower, London SW1P 4HQ
Direct line: 0844 798 2916/24hr Press line: 0844 798 2128