This authority is required by law to protect the public funds it administers. In compliance with the law it may share information provided to it, with other bodies responsible for auditing
or administering public funds, in order to prevent and detect fraud.

The Audit Commission appoints the auditor to audit the accounts of this authority. It is also 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. 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.

The Audit Commission currently requires us to participate in a data matching exercise to assist in the prevention and detection of fraud. The Audit Commission's guidance on the exercise can be found at www.audit-commission.gov.uk/nfi. Details of the particular sets of data we are required to provide to the Audit Commission for each matching exercise can be found at
http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/fraud/nfi/public-sector/data-requirement/Pages/localgovernmentdatarequirements.aspx

We have to provide this data in accordance with the Serious Crime Act 2007. The use of data by the Audit Commission in a data matching exercise is carried out with statutory authority under its powers in Part 2A of the Audit Commission Act 1998. It does not require the consent of the individuals concerned under the Data Protection Act 1998.

Data matching by the Audit Commission is subject to a Code of Practice. This
may be found at:
http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/nfi/pages/codeofdatamatchingpractice.aspx

For further information on Runnymede's participation in these exercises, please contact Diane Cooke, Chief Internal Auditor, on 01932 425350.

For further information on the Audit Commission's legal powers and the reasons why it matches particular information, please see:
http://www.audit-commission.gov.uk/fairprocessing