Oxford City Council’s multi-award-winning counter-fraud team, the Oxford Investigation Service, is renowned for its innovative and effective approach to preventing and detecting fraud.
During 2023/24, the Team tracked its performance using five Service Performance Indicators, resulting in them achieving fraud prevention and detection worth more than £7.4 million:
- social housing protection: 58 housing applications were cancelled, and five properties recovered due to misuse, including sub-letting and unlawful succession
- revenue identification: investigation activities led to identifying £1.4 million in revenue, surpassing the cost-neutral target
- financial loss prevention: the team prevented financial losses of over £5.7 million through diligent investigation efforts
- right to buy applications: 44 false or irregular applications out of 60, achieving were prevented; a 73% success rate
- commercial activity income: the team achieved almost £230,000 in trading income from commercial activities, exceeding the target.
The team has marked over a decade of unparalleled success in preventing and detecting fraud and financial irregularity. Their efforts have not only protected the Council’s financial integrity, they have also extended their expertise to other councils and social housing providers. They have significantly enhanced service integrity by providing products or services to 24 organisations, both within the UK and abroad.
Comment
“The Oxford Investigation Service has been instrumental in preventing fraud losses and getting money and assets back, amounting to many millions of pounds.
“Through a blend of innovation, collaboration, and determination, the team has safeguarded social housing and ensured the robustness of services across and beyond the Council. They are outstanding leaders in the field of fraud prevention.”
Councillor Ed Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Asset Management
The Annual Fraud Conference
Additionally, the Investigation Service continues to enhance its reputation as a leader in the counter-fraud industry. Last November, the team hosted its eighth Annual Fraud Conference, attended by over 150 delegates. The free-to-attend event, funded through exhibitor fees and sponsorship, raised awareness of fraud trends and emerging risks while showcasing the services the team offers. The conference has established itself as an essential event for professionals in the field. The next conference is scheduled for 14 November 2024 and again is free for public sector attendees.
The National Investigations Conference
Last May, the team collaborated with Intec For Business and ITS Training to deliver the second National Investigations Conference at Birmingham Central Library. The two-day event attracted over 110 delegates from various investigative disciplines and was free for public sector attendees, with costs covered by exhibitor fees.
Award-winning excellence
In October 2023, the team was honoured with a “Highly Commended” award in the category of Excellence in Protecting the Public Purse at the IRRV’s prestigious Performance Awards scheme, further cementing their reputation for excellence.
The Oxford Investigation Service remains committed to excellence in fraud prevention and detection, continuously striving to protect public resources and maintain service integrity.
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