Reducing Fraud & Error In The Public Sector

Previously published in Spotlight, March 2012

FOREWORD

According to the National Fraud Authority, the public sector lost £21.2bn through fraud in 2010, accounting for 55% of all fraud loss in the UK. This covers tax fraud, which accounts for the bulk of losses, but also illegal practices in the benefit system, procurement processes and expenses.

The problem is growing. Fraud losses rose from £17.6bn in the previous year. And, of course, the numbers are even more significant now with the backdrop of the UK government's fiscal deficit, rising unemployment, challenging economics and a tightening public purse.

To support public sector organisations in tackling this urgent problem, Deloitte hosted a collaborative workshop in our iZone, which is an innovative way of helping clients to step out of their comfort zones, encouraging them to come up with new ideas and solutions to their business challenges and opportunities. This was intended to help understand the scale