National fraud initiative

National Fraud Initiative

South Ayrshire Council is required by law to protect the public funds it administers.  It may share information provided to it with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds, in order to prevent or detect fraud.

On behalf of the Accounts Commission, Audit Scotland appoints auditors to examine the Accounts of South Ayrshire Council.  Audit Scotland also assists appointed auditors by conducting a National Fraud Initiative (NFI) acting on behalf of the Cabinet Office.  The Initiative is a data matching exercise to promote the proper use of public money.

Data matching involves comparing computer records held by one body against other computer records held by the same or another body. This is usually personal information. Computerised data matching allows potentially fraudulent claims and payments to be identified. Where a match is found it indicates that there may be an inconsistency that requires further investigation. No assumption can be made as to whether there is fraud, error or other explanation until an investigation is carried out. The exercise can also help bodies to ensure that their records are up to date.

Audit Scotland currently requires us to participate in a data matching exercise to assist in the prevention and detection of fraud. We are required to provide particular sets of data to Audit Scotland for matching for each NFI exercise which is usually carried out every two years.  Data sets for the next NFI exercise will be provided on 30 September 2022.  

We set out how we will use and share your personal information in our privacy notice.

The processing of data by Audit Scotland (in practice the processing is undertaken by the Cabinet Office on Audit Scotland's behalf) in a data matching exercise is carried out under the powers in Part 2A of the Public Finance and Accountability (Scotland) Act 2000. It does not require the consent of the individuals concerned under the Data Protection Act 2018.

For more information on Audit Scotland's legal powers and the reason why it matches particular information, see their latest full privacy notice.

Data matching by Audit Scotland is subject to a Code of Data Matching Practice.  View this code, together with further information on the National Fraud Information.

For further information on South Ayrshire Council's involvement in the National Fraud Initiative contact:

Cecilia McGhee
Chief Internal Auditor
South Ayrshire Council
Wellington Square
Ayr, KA7 1DR
Tel: 01292 612432
Email: Cecilia.McGhee2@south-ayrshire.gov.uk