Data Matching Practice
This authority is required by law to protect the public funds it
administers. It may share information provided to it with other
bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds, in
order to prevent and detect fraud.
The Audit Commission appoints the auditor to audit the accounts
of this authority. 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 potentially
fraudulent claims and payments to be identified. Where a match is
found it indicates that there is an inconsistency that requires
further investigation.
No assumption can be made as to whether there is fraud, error or
other explanation until an investigation is carried out.
The Audit Commission currently requires us to participate in a
data matching exercise to assist in the prevention and detection of
fraud. We are required to provide particular sets of data to the
Audit Commission for matching for each exercise and these are set
out in the Audit Commission’s guidance, which can be found at
www.audit-commission.gov.uk/nfi.
The use of data by the Audit Commission in a data matching
exercise is carried out with statutory authority under its powers
in Part 2A of the Audit Commission Act 1998. It does not require
the consent of the individuals concerned under the Data Protection
Act 1998.
Data matching by the Audit Commission is subject to a Code of
Practice.
For further information on data matching at this authority
contact Mandie Kerry, Counter Fraud Manager, ext 2191.
Contact
Tel: 01304 872191
E-mail: revenues@dover.gov.uk
