Anti Fraud and Corruption Policy 2021 to 2022

1.1 This policy sets out Buckinghamshire Council’s commitment to tackling fraud and corruption.

Buckinghamshire Council has a zero tolerance stance to all forms of fraud, corruption, bribery and theft, both from within the Council and from external sources, which it recognises can:

• undermine the standards of public service that the Council is attempting to achieve
• reduce the level of resources and services available for the residents of Buckinghamshire
• result in consequences which reduce public confidence in the Council.

1.2 The Council is one of the largest business organisations in Buckinghamshire. In administering its responsibilities, the Council has a duty to prevent fraud and corruption, whether it is attempted by someone outside or within the Council such as another organisation, a resident, an employee or Councillor. The Council is committed to an effective Anti Fraud and Corruption culture, by promoting high ethical standards and encouraging the prevention and detection of fraudulent activities.

1.3 Any proven fraud will be dealt with in a consistent and proportionate manner. Appropriate sanctions and redress will be pursued against anyone perpetrating, or seeking to perpetrate fraud, corruption or theft against the Council.

1.4 The Council is committed to the highest possible standards of openness, probity, honesty, integrity and accountability. The Council expects all staff, Councillors and partners to observe these standards which are defined within the Code of Conduct.

1.5 The Service Director of Corporate Finance, as the “Section 151 Officer” has a statutory responsibility under section 151 of the Local Government Act 1972 to ensure the proper arrangements for the Council’s financial affairs and has developed financial regulations and accounting instructions. The Service Director of Corporate Finance (S.151 Officer) exercises a quality control on financial administration through delegation of responsibilities to the Service Director of Service Finance and the Heads of Finance.

1.6 The Deputy Chief Executive, as the “Monitoring Officer” has a statutory responsibility to advise the Council on the legality of its decisions and to ensure that the Council’s actions do not give rise to illegality or maladministration. It is therefore essential for employees to follow the Council’s policies and procedures to demonstrate that the Council is acting in an open and transparent manner.