By Richard Johnstone | 19 December 2014
The Home Office is to investigate the extent of the threat posed by organised crime to public services procured by councils as part of a government anti-corruption drive.
The department yesterday published the first ever anti-corruption plan for the whole of the UK. It sets out over sixty actions for government and partners, and is intended to provide a strategic direction for all anti-corruption activity to ensure greater collaboration and consistency across the public and private sectors.
Among the action proposed is the Home Office scheme to assess the threat that organised crime poses to public procured services in local authorities. The UK Anti-Corruption Plan stated action would then be taken in partnership with local authorities and the Department for Communities and Local Government in response to any risks, with lessons shared to other authorities.
Business minister Matthew Hancock, who acts as the government’s anti-corruption champion, said corruption and fraud were grave threats to the country’s economic prosperity and national security.
‘As host to one of the world’s largest financial centres, the UK has a moral duty and global responsibility to ensure that corrupt officials and organised criminals do not abuse our systems. We are one of the least corrupt nations on earth, but we want to do more.
‘This new plan will make sure that we spearhead the international fight against corruption. Together with our international partners, we will push for robust action against corruption at every possible opportunity.’
The plan also highlights CIPFA’s Counter Fraud Centre role in providing to provide of counter-fraud and counter-corruption tools for local authorities and the wider public sector. It stated that DCLG is funding the development of a new Counter Fraud Strategy for local government, to be delivered by the Fighting Fraud Locally network of counter fraud experts as well as CIPFA.
Commenting the publication of the anti-corruption plan, CIPFA Counter Fraud Centre head Rachael Tiffin said: ‘It is welcome news that the Home Office have launched an anti-corruption plan that will be instrumental in cracking down on fraud and corruption in the public sector.
‘CIPFA are delighted that we have been recognised for having the right tools and training to tackle complex risks facing local authorities and the public sector.’
Other parts of the plan also include the establishment of a specialist unit within the National Crime Agency to tackle bribery and corruption, and the creation of a new offence of police corruption.
