The City of London is committed to preventing fraud and
corruption wherever possible.
Where fraud and corruption occurs, in any form, it will be dealt
with in a controlled manner in accordance with the principles in
the anti-fraud and corruption strategy. It will be investigated
fully and the City of London will prosecute all offenders where
appropriate including, Members, employees, contractors and external
partners.
The Chief Internal Auditor will first consult with the
Chamberlain (this role broadly equates with that of a Finance
Director) and the Town Clerk and Chief Executive if it is
thought appropriate to involve the Police. Chief Officers of the
City of London should not notify the police direct except in an
emergency in order to prevent further loss, or where it is
necessary for the police to examine an area before it is disturbed
by staff or members of the public.
In deciding whether a fraud should be reported to the police,
the following will be taken into account:
- The seriousness of the case
- The level of evidence available
- The level of money involved
- Whether the public interest will be served
This procedure will be operated in conjunction with the City of
London’s disciplinary procedure as set out in the City of London’s
Employee Handbook and all employees will be subject to the
general disciplinary procedures as well as any prosecution
process.
This policy will prevail with the exception of housing benefit
and council tax irregularities. These will be considered in the
context of the Housing Benefit and Council Tax Prosecution Policy
as agreed by the Community Services Committee in November
2003.