Addressing fraud risks in locally administered services Zoe Kent - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

Addressing fraud risks in locally administered services Zoe Kent Vice-Chair of the Kent Intelligence Network

The Kent Intelligence Network Kent Medway County Council Council Kent All Fire & District Rescue Councils

Positioning within Kent Kent Tenancy Kent Fraud Forum Investigation Officer Group Kent Finance Kent Revenues & Officer Group Benefits Managers (S151 Officers) Group Kent Intelligence Network

Fraud Risks

Risks that correlate with a reduction in budgets Business Rates Council Tax Debtors Largest reported Tracing Largest growing issue over past absconded area of fraud 4 years debtors Housing Social Care Fraud increased Rising temporary by 21% in accommodation 2017/18 costs

Addressing the Risks

Supporting Member Authorities Good quality Communication & referrals Engagement Embracing Leading & technology & open coordinating activities data sources

Mitigating risks Missing hereditaments Absconded debtors HUB ▪ ▪ ▪ Identification of falsely claimed Small Google Earth Online tracing tool ▪ ▪ Business Rate Relief Google Maps Single search entry box (same principle ▪ ▪ Rates Avoidance Register Google Street View as a well-known search engine) ▪ ▪ ▪ Finding Ratepayers Doesn’t leave a credit search footprint Open data sources ▪ ▪ Company name changes Sales/Letting information ▪ Planning data 8

Outcomes

Case Study 1 – Mark Hellier Tractors Think agricultural • Search ‘Tractor Dealers Refer for investigation • in Kent’ MHT in Top 3 return • RV £47,500 • View in Google Earth • 1 st April 2017 • Check local authority • Total billed - £68,258 • list Future loss - £69,968 • Check rating list •

Case Study 2 – Kentdown Mushroom Farm Think farm Mushroom Farm • • diversification exempt (classified as agricultural) Pick a rural area and • scan it using Google Visit uncovered 20 • Earth/Street View business units + storage container Identify potential • targets Additional RV £122,200 • Check local authority Total billed - £154,307 • • list Future loss - £180,001 • Check rating list •

Recognition Solutions Partner Best Initiative in Combatting Outstanding Proactive Fraud Fraud Award Detection and Recovery 13

Maintaining Success Recording Outcomes Collaborations with Private Sector Working Groups Business Plan Promoting Achievements Monitor and Review Performance New Technology

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