The Oxford City Council Counter Fraud and Investigation Service plays a crucial role in ensuring that social housing is provided to those with genuine needs, while protecting the public purse.
The service is committed to combating fraud and safeguarding the Council’s reputation as an ethical and responsible council.
Now, the service is set to host its 9th Annual Fraud Conference - A Platform for Knowledge and Innovation - on 14 November. The conference is a key event in the counter-fraud calendar and is designed to showcase success stories, highlight emerging fraud risks, and promote best practices for fraud prevention and mitigation.
The Conference
A major highlight of this year's event is a talk by award-winning journalist and broadcaster Nick Wallis, who was instrumental in uncovering the Post Office Horizon scandal. He will be joined on stage by Ron Warmington from Second Sight who was also instrumental in highlighting the problems with the Horizon software and wrongful prosecutions brought by the Post Office.
The Annual Fraud Conference is free to public sector delegates and will be held at Oxford Town Hall. Attendees are encouraged to register early to secure their place at this informative and influential event.
Last year, the 8th Annual Fraud Conference was attended by over 150 delegates. The event is self-funded through exhibitor fees and sponsorship and has established itself as an essential event for professionals in the counter-fraud industry.
Comment
“Since its inception, the Oxford Investigation Service has been instrumental in preventing fraud losses and getting money and assets back, amounting to many millions of pounds.
“A visible deterrent to anyone considering fraudulent activity, it has delivered impressive results, holding wrongdoers accountable and securing vital public funds. They are outstanding leaders in the field of fraud prevention.”
Councillor Ed Turner, Cabinet Member for Finance and Asset Management“Known as a centre of excellence for counter-fraud, the team has a long history of success in preventing and detecting fraud and financial irregularity. Our effective and innovative approach has been recognised independently, on multiple occasions, with performance award wins.
“The Annual Fraud Conference is our way of sharing best practice, case studies, equipping delegates with an armoury of counter-fraud solutions, and ensuring that we are always many steps ahead of those who seek to criminally exploit services”
Scott Warner, Counter Fraud Manager, Oxford City Council
The OIS’ key achievements since 2016 include:
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recovery of the second largest Unlawful Profit Order at £143,000 under the Prevention of Social Housing Fraud Act 2013.
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prevention of more than 270 fraudulent and irregular Right to Buy applications
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assistance to other local authorities in securing over £23.2 million in New Homes Bonus subsidies.
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recovery of over 230 council-owned properties lost to fraud, unlawful subletting, misuse, and abandonment, providing homes to deserving families on the Housing Waiting List and in temporary accommodation.
The total amount recovered and saved by the OIS stands at over £57 million.
The OIS’ work has earned it a world-class reputation, evidenced by it receiving over 10 awards, including recognitions for Excellence in Counter Fraud, Innovation, Partnership Working, and Protecting the Public Purse.
Register Here for the Annual Fraud Conference
The OIS is dedicated to identifying and preventing fraudulent activities to protect public funds and ensure that services and housing reach those with genuine needs.
Working with over 35 local authorities and housing providers across the UK, the team has developed a robust fraud prevention strategy and is recognised for its innovative and successful approach to countering fraud.
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