Fair Processing Notice - Data Matching
DATA PROTECTION ACT 1998
This authority is required by law to protect the public funds it
administers. 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 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.
The Audit Commission currently requires us to participate in a data
matching exercise to assist in the prevention and detection of
fraud. We are required to provide particular sets of data to the
Audit Commission for matching for each exercise, and these
are set out in the
Audit Commission’s
guidance.
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.
Read further information on the
Audit
Commission’s legal powers and the reasons why it matches
particular information.
For further information on data matching at this authority contact
the Head of Financial Services on 01562 732928.
