National Fraud Initiative 2026

As a Council we're legally required to protect the public funds we administer and may share information we are given with other organisations responsible for auditing or administering public funds.

This involves councils and other public bodies taking part in a data matching exercise conducted by the Public Sector Fraud Authority, which helps to prevent and detect fraud.

This data matching exercise is legally required under Part 6 of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 and is subject to a Code of Practice.

What is data matching?

Data matching involves comparing computer records held by one organisation with records held by the same or another organisation to see how far they match. This is usually personal information.

What data is provided?

We have to provide data on our employees and members, such as personal addresses, National Insurance numbers, emails, and bank account details, along with details of pay. 

Do you need my consent to share my data?

Because it is a statutory requirement to provide this data to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), we do not need your consent to share data. Data was previously shared with the Cabinet Office for this purpose.  To see more information about the data we provide to the DWP, visit National Fraud Initiative.

What is the National Fraud Initiative (NFI)?

The NFI is a national data matching exercise which is undertaken every two years. Data provided by 1,300 participating organisations from across the public and private sector, government departments and other national agencies is matched to identify instances of poor data quality, error, or fraud. Since the initiative was introduced in 1996 £2.9 billion of fraud and overpayments have been detected.

There is a mandatory requirement for the Council to participate in this exercise which is seen as a key tool in the fight against fraud.

NFI provides fraud prevention solutions through legislative powers outlined in the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014 – schedule 9. This allows local authorities to conduct data matching exercises to assist in the prevention and detection of fraud.

Have questions?

For further information on data matching contact Karen Mullett. Or if you have concerns about how your personal data is being handled, contact RBBC's Data Protection Officer.

Useful information

National Fraud Initiative

National Fraud Initiative Privacy Notice  

RBBC’s Privacy Notice

Code of Data Matching Practice for the National Fraud Initiative