IRRV Alert - week ending 26th August 2022
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Consultations
Consultation on the expansion of the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) Data Matching Powers and the new Code of Data Matching Practice (22 August 2022)
Consultation outcome
Consultation on the expansion of the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) Data Matching Powers and the new Code of Data Matching Practice
- From:
- Cabinet Office
- Published
- 10 February 2021
- Last updated
- 22 August 2022 — See all updates
This consultation has concluded
Download the full outcome
Government Response - Consultation on extending the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) data matching to new purposes
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Detail of outcome
The Government consultation on extending the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) to assist with four purposes in addition to fraud - the prevention and detection of errors and inaccuracies; recovery of debt owed to public bodies; the apprehension and prosecution of offenders; and the prevention and detection of crime - received a comprehensive response.
The views of respondents on the proposals were mixed. Many recognised the benefits of extending data matching generally and the data matching service of the NFI to new areas. However, many raised concerns, particularly around how extension would be operationalised and how individuals’ personal data would be managed.
The Government response sets out our intention to not proceed with extending the NFI to new purposes at this stage. In line with the Government’s commitment to doing more to prevent and detect fraud, the Government will retain the focus of the NFI on preventing and detecting fraud, supporting bodies in enhancing their fraud response through the use of data and analytics and through the creation of the new Public Sector Fraud Authority.
Feedback to the consultation will be used to inform the future development of the NFI, supplementing wider engagement activities. The Cabinet Office will continue to work closely with interested parties on the future direction of the NFI and new purposes and welcomes ongoing feedback.
Detail of feedback received
Almost 400 responses were provided to the Government consultation.
This was made up of 197 individuals, six special interest groups, 162 public sector organisations and 15 private sector organisations. There were 13 anonymous responses.
Original consultation
Summary
The Cabinet Office is consulting on widening the NFI data matching powers and updating the NFI Code of Data Matching Practice. We welcome responses from anyone with an interest in or views on the subject. The consultation has been extended.
This consultation ran from
9am on 10 February 2021 to 11:45pm on 5 May 2021
Consultation description
The Cabinet Office is consulting on widening the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) data matching powers and updating the NFI Code of Data Matching Practice. The powers are embedded within the Local Audit and Accountability Act, 2014 (the Act). The powers are:
- to assist in the prevention and detection of crime (other than fraud)
- to assist in the apprehension and prosecution of offenders
- to assist in prevention and detection of errors and inaccuracies
- to assist in the recovery of debt owing to public bodies
These proposals focus on increasing efficiency and improving the use of data in the process of government.
Documents
Consultation on the expansion of the National Fraud Initiative Data Matching Powers and new Code of Data Matching Practice
PDF, 367 KB, 31 pages
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Draft Code of Data Matching Practice
PDF, 287 KB, 26 pages
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Draft Statutory Instrument
PDF, 168 KB, 2 pages
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Published 10 February 2021
Last updated 22 August 2022 + show all updates