‘Weaknesses’ have been found in Newport City Council’s approach to fraud, a finance watchdog has reported.
Audit Wales uncovered ‘key weaknesses that potentially expose the council to increased risk of fraud’.
Looking at Newport’s response to recommendations for the sector made in 2020, the report acknowledged the council had a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to fraud and ‘appropriate policies to support its counter-fraud statement’.
But the report said Newport had failed to undertake a risk assessment focused on fraud, did not keep a record of losses and recoveries or set targets.
It added that not all council departments had access to dedicated counter-fraud specialists.
This article was originally published by The MJ (£).
