Report fraud and corruption

Waverley is aware of its significant responsibility in handling a considerable amount of public money (£167 million passes through its bank account every year).

Protecting the public purse is a priority for Waverley, and to make reporting suspicions of fraud and/or corruption even easier we have introduced a new online reporting system. The new system at www.waverley.gov.uk/reportit  can be used to report anything from suspicions of fraud to a missed bin collection.

View the online report form here.

What is fraud and corruption?

• Fraud - obtaining services or cash under false pretences
• Corruption - influencing or rewarding decision takers for personal gain

These can take many forms and may be carried out by a wide range of people such as Waverley's customers, contractors, staff and councillors. We want to reduce the possible opportunities for fraud and corruption that could affect our accounts and services.

Why report fraud and corruption?

The money recieved by Waverley comes from a variety of sources (council tax, parking charges and so on) and is spent on a whole range of services (refuse collections, leisure facilities, housing, over 100 services in total).

Though we have robust systems in place to prevent fraud taking place we cannot be complacent. We already have a Whistleblowing Policy in place and we have now introduced an online reporting system.

The new system encourages you to raise any concerns you may have about fraud including suspicions of people falsely claiming council tax or housing benefits. You can report anonymously though leaving a name and contact details makes it easier for us to investigate fully, particulary if we need more information.

Waverley's Whistleblowing Policy

The Whistleblowing Policy is in three parts and enable you to get more information about the procedures in place regarding reports of fraus and corruption:

• Part A - The Policy
• Part B - procedures for dealing with a report
  
• Part C - contact details
  

This Policy shows that Waverley wants to hear from anyone who has suspicions about any body or person who is involved with Waverley's business - either as a customer, or as someone involved in any way with delivering Waverley's services. 

How to report your suspicions

There are a number of ways to report to us, whether it be for a suspected benefit, improper conduct  or concerns about a contractor. All reports will be treated in the strictest confidence without fear of recrimination:

• by telephone 01483 523240
  
• by email mark.hill@waverley.gov.uk
  
• online at www.waverley.gov.uk/reportit
  

What happens next?

Waverley will take any report seriously. A decision will be taken as to how to make an investigate, and if there is a chance of making a successful prosecution then a prosecution will be attempted. The police will be involved as appropriate. Waverley's commitment is shown in its Prosecution Policy.

Page Updated: 23/03/2010 09:20