Data Matching

As a public authority Cyngor Gwynedd is required by law to protect the public funds it administers. We may share information provided to us with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds, in order to prevent and detect fraud.

 

In October 2024, the latest round of the anti-fraud data matching exercise, known as the National Fraud Initiative (“NFI”) will commence. Cyngor Gwynedd data, along with data from other public bodies, will be presented to the Auditor General for Wales.

 

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 potentially allows fraudulent claims and payments to be identified. Where a match is found it may indicate 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.

 

This work will be carried out by Cyngor Gwynedd's Internal Audit Service. For more information, contact InternalAudit@Gwynedd.llyw.cymru

 

The Auditor General for Wales currently requires Cyngor Gwynedd, under his statutory data matching powers set out in Part 3A of the Public Audit (Wales) Act 2004 (the 2004 Act), to participate in his anti-fraud initiative. For this initiative, the Council is providing particular sets of data to the Auditor General for matching. Details are set out on the Audit Wales website. 

 

The use of data by the Auditor General in a data matching exercise is carried out with statutory authority, therefore, it does not require the consent of the individuals concerned under the Data Protection Act.

 

Data matching by the Auditor General is subject to a Code of Practice. This is to help all bodies involved in data matching to comply with the law and good practice, including maintaining data security (see Code of Data Matching).

 

For more information on the Auditor General’s legal powers and the reasons why he matches particular information, visit the Audit Wales website or contact national.fraud@audit.wales