FINANCE

Council staff warn fraud is a major risk for local government

Two-thirds of local government professionals think fraud is a major risk for councils, a new survey has revealed.

Two-thirds of local government professionals think fraud is a major risk for councils, a new survey has revealed.

Research published by the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) also showed seven out of 10 professionals believe poor organisational controls leave local authorities vulnerable to fraudsters.

Nearly half (49%) warned staff were not adequately trained to identify fraudulent activity.

CIPFA chief executive officer, Rob Whiteman, said: ‘Fraud, bribery and corruption are constantly evolving threats that undermine financial resilience and put even greater pressure on public services at a time of crisis.

'The increased strain on resources and governance as a result of COVID-19, and the prevalence of technology-enabled frauds, compound these threats even further.'

Head of counter-fraud operations at CIPFA, Marc McAuley, says we must learn from past mistakes.

FINANCE

Whole government response required to secure councils' finances

By Ann McGauran | 28 February 2025

Making councils financially sustainable requires a whole government response led by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), says t...

FINANCE

EXCLUSIVE: Half of chiefs have started roles in last three years

By Dan Peters | 29 January 2025

Almost half of council chief executives have taken up their roles in the last three years, research shared exclusively with The MJ has revealed.

FINANCE

Goodbye to all that

By Martin Ford | 20 December 2024

Ann McGauran and Martin Ford take a look back at the highs and lows of a pacy and action-packed year for local government.

FINANCE

Rebuilding trust: why local audit reforms can't wait

By Iain Murray | 18 December 2024

Rebuilding the audit system is a key component in resolving local government’s funding crisis, writes Iain Murray.

Popular articles by Laura Sharman