National Fraud Initiative (NFI) 2010

The Audit Commission is an independent body responsible for ensuring that public money is spent economically, efficiently and effectively, to achieve high-quality local services for the public. It is also responsible for carrying out data matching exercises.

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 and payments to be identified. Where a match is found it indicates 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.

As part of the council's duty to protect public funds, the Audit Commission requires us to participate in NFI 2010. This is a data matching exercise, to assist in the prevention and detection of fraud. The council will provide as necessary, particular data sets which usually contain personal data. This initiative will be undertaken in accordance with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998.

The relevant powers of the Audit Commission can be found on the Audit Commission's website, together with details of the relevant data sets.

Data matching by the Audit Commission is subject to a Code of Practice available on the Audit Commission's website.

For further information on the Audit Commission's legal powers and the reasons why it matches particular information, see the Audit Commission's website.

For further information on data matching at this authority, contact Salford Internal Audit on 0161 607 6969.

This page was last updated on 28 July 2010