National Fraud Initiative Background (NFI)

National Fraud Initiative (NFI)
National Fraud Initiative 2022-23

Fermanagh and Omagh District 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 and detect fraud.

The Local Government Auditor audits the Statements of Account of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and is also responsible for carrying out data matching exercises under his powers in Articles 4A to 4G of the Audit and Accountability (Northern Ireland) Order 2003.

Data matching involves comparing computer records held by one body against other computer records held by the same or another body to see how far they match. This is usually personal information. Computerised data matching allows fraudulent claims, payments to be identified. Where a match is found, it may indicate that there is an inconsistency which 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 Comptroller and Auditor General currently requires the Council 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 the Comptroller and Auditor General for matching. In 2022/23, the Council provided datasets on Payroll and Trade Creditors (including standing data and payments history data).

The Privacy Notice in relation to NFI can be viewed at: https://www.fermanaghomagh.com/your-council/privacy-statement/national-fraud-initiative-nfi/
Data matching by the Comptroller and Auditor General is subject to a Code of Practice. This may be found at: https://www.niauditoffice.gov.uk/national-fraud-initative
For further information on the Comptroller and Auditor General’s legal powers and the reasons why he matches particular information, see: https://www.niauditoffice.gov.uk/national-fraud-initative
For further information on data matching at Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, contact:

Catherine Leonard, Head of Finance
(Catherine.leonard@fermanaghomagh.com)

Thelma Browne, Head of Human Resources and Organisation Development
(Thelma.Browne@fermanaghomagh.com)
Telephone: 0300 303 1777