National fraud initiative – data matching 

The information you give when you complete and return a form electronically or on paper will be held in accordance with current data protection legislation. 

East Cambridgeshire District Council is required by law to protect the public funds it administers. In order to do this we may share information provided to us with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds, or where undertaking a public function, in order to prevent and detect fraud. 

The Cabinet Office is responsible for carrying out data matching exercises. 

Data matching involves comparing computer records held by one body against other computer records held by the same or another body to see how far they match. This is usually personal information. Computerised data matching allows potentially fraudulent claims and payments to be identified.  Where a match is found it may indicate that there is an inconsistency which requires further investigation. No assumption can be made as to whether there is fraud, error or other explanation until an investigation is carried out. 

We participate in the Cabinet Office’s national fraud initiative; a data matching exercise to assist in the prevention and detection of fraud. We are required to provide particular sets of data to the Minister for the Cabinet Office (external link) for matching for each exercise. 

The use of data by the Cabinet Office in a data matching exercise is carried out with statutory authority under Part 6 of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014. It does not require the consent of the individuals concerned under the Data Protection Act 1998. 

Data matching by the Cabinet Office is subject to a Code of Practice (external link)

View further information on the Cabinet Office’s legal powers and the reasons why it matches particular information (external link). For further information on data matching at this authority contact: Sue Bingham, Senior Auditor on 01353 665555, or email Sue.Bingham@eastcambs.gov.uk.