Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 21
21
We asked about what needed to be done to improve the consistency of fraud and...
Conclusion
We asked about what needed to be done to improve the consistency of fraud and error reporting across the public sector. Cabinet Office told us that the introduction of the Functional Standards, a set of minimum criteria for dealing with fraud, is an important tool to increasing consistency of approach.52 It has also agreed a common definition of fraud and a common typology with all Departments reporting against this.53 Cabinet Office told us that the COVID-19 response has left many departments more exposed to higher levels of risk and loss than previously, but we are not aware of any other departments that have made public commitments to measure the extent of fraud and error in their COVID-19 schemes.54 Data sharing
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
6a: PAC recommendation: Cabinet Office should write to the Committee within six months detailing how it has worked with departments to identify and address gaps in real time data sharing. 6.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: November 2021 6.2 The GCFF will continue to work with departments to increase the use of real time application checks to help prevent fraud where there is a good business case to do so. During the COVID-19 pandemic, additional real time data checks such as the Bank Account Validation, Active Company and Change of Director checks have been established and proved their worth. The government will continue to deliver these while exploring further expansion of real time services. 6.3 The government will write to the Committee by November 2021 highlighting the work that is being done across departments to improve the use of data and progress made and future actions on real time data sharing. 12