Privacy notices

Data matching under the National Fraud Initiative - Privacy notice

This privacy notice sets out how personal data is used within the National Fraud Initiative, run by the Cabinet Office.

We must, by law, protect the public funds we administer. To prevent and detect fraud we may share information provided to us with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public funds.

The Cabinet Office appoints the auditor to audit the accounts of this authority. It is also responsible for carrying out data matching exercises.

Data matching

Data matching involves comparing computer records held by one body against other computer records held by the same or another body to check 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 indicates there is an inconsistency that 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 Cabinet Office 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. These sets of data are set out in the NFI guidance on the GOV.uk site.

Use of data and consent

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 2018. Data matching by the Cabinet Office is subject to a Code of Practice.

For more information on the Cabinet Office’s legal powers and the reasons why it matches particular information, go to the Fair processing notice on the GOV.uk website.

To use your information in this way allows us to deliver more efficient services that can be tailored to your individual needs and preferences. All personal information is held in strict confidence.

For further information on data matching at this authority please email investigations@slough.gov.uk or call 01753 787873.