Oxford City Council

Summary of Submission

The Counter-Fraud Team of Oxford City Council safeguards council services  aligning with the Council’s aim of Protecting the Public Purse. Contributing to an inclusive economy and affordable housing, the team prevents and detects fraud, protects social housing, and enhances service integrity. Since 2015, the team expanded its expertise to work with other local governments and social housing providers, offering investigations, audits, and consultancy.

The team hosts an Annual Fraud Conference and for 2024, developed a mobile app to enhance engagement. Other innovations include a Tenure Prediction tool, designed to ensure compliance with Oxford’s Selective Licensing scheme. Home-grown data-matching algorithms ensure affordable housing reaches those in need, a "Ready-Reckoner Tool" assesses potential fraud levels across UK councils and successful collaboration with Reigate and Banstead Borough Council saw over 2,800 Empty-Home Review Visits for 14 councils take place during 2023. The team is committed to innovation setting a benchmark in the sector.