Decision details

Counter Financial Crime, Investigations and Whistleblowing Annual Report

Decision Maker: Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Decision status: For Determination

Is Key decision?: No

Purpose:

Brief Summary

The committee's terms of reference require it to review the assessment of financial crime risks and potential harm to the council from financial crime, bribery and corruption, and monitor the counter-financial crime strategy, actions and resources.

The report at Appendix A sets out the current crime landscape that the council faces and provides a summary update as to:
• the investigations completed in 2023/24.
• the whistleblowing complaints received, and action taken in 2023/24
• Details of ongoing and planned anti-financial crime work.

Recommendation
The committee is asked to consider and note the Financial Crime, Investigations and Whistleblowing Annual Report.

Decisions:

(Not for Publication - Exempt information as defined in Paragraphs 2, 3 and 7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A to the Local Government Act, 1972. It is considered that in all the circumstances of the case the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the information.)

 

Peter Walker, Investigations Manager presented the private and confidential Counter Financial Crime, Investigations and Whistleblowing Annual Report and an updated set of policies and procedures for the committee's approval.

 

Additional information relating to the outcome of whistleblowing cases in 2023/24 would be shared after the meeting.

 

Resolved: That

 

i)  The Counter Financial Crime, Investigations and Whistleblowing Annual Report be noted; and

 

ii)  The Anti-Money Laundering Policy Statement and Strategy, the Counter Financial Crime Policy, the Financial Crime Sanction and Prosecution Policy, and the Whistleblowing Policy, as set out, be approved.

Divisions Affected: (All Divisions);

Contact: Peter Walker Email: Peter.Walker@lancashire.gov.uk Tel: 01772 534898.

Report author: Peter Walker

Date of decision: 22/07/2024

Decided at meeting: 22/07/2024 - Audit, Risk and Governance Committee

Accompanying Documents: