More to be done to tackle anti-fraud - report

The Comptroller and Auditor General published her report on tackling fraud and error

More needs to be done to "fully embed a culture of anti-fraud and error" within the States of Jersey, a new report has said.

Comptroller and Auditor General (C&AG) Lynn Pamment published that conclusion in her new report on tackling fraud and error, which was released on Thursday.

It evaluated how the States prevents and detects fraud and error, which she said was "key to minimising loss and ensuring public funds are spent in the way taxpayers would expect".

She said in the report that the States had said it intended to "strengthen corporate arrangements for managing the risk of fraud and error".

Managing error 'is variable'

The C&AG found the States understood improvements were needed and would also include managing risk of corruption.

The report added embedding an anti-fraud, error and corruption culture across an organisation "as complex and diverse as the States will take time but the trajectory is positive".

The C&AG found progress in "design and implementation of controls to manage the risk of fraud and error" was "variable across departments".

Recommendations of a previous report by the C&AG had not been implemented fully, she said.

"Delays in implementing recommendations to improve processes and tighten controls mean that the States continue to be exposed to risk," the current report said.

Levels of identified overclaims of financial support from government increased during the Covid-19 pandemic, the C&AG said.

Ms Pamment added it was due to the introduction of new schemes to provide support for businesses and individuals.

At the end of September this year, £5m in overclaims had yet to be recovered by the government, the report said.