National Fraud Initiative Data Matching: Fair Processing Notice
We are committed to preventing and detecting fraud and error. We participate in the National Fraud Initiative to help us do this.
Purpose of data processing
The Cabinet Office conducts data matching exercises to assist in the prevention and detection of fraud. This is one of the ways in which the Minister for the Cabinet Office takes responsibility within government for public sector efficiency and reform.
The National Fraud Initiative (NFI) also tests new ways to share and analyse data to improve fraud detection. This helps catch and prevent fraud more effectively.
At Southwark Council we are committed to preventing and detecting fraud and error.
As part of this, we are mandated to participate in the NFI. This means comparing data to find possible fraud or errors in areas like benefits, council tax, and housing.
You can find further information about the National Fraud Initiative privacy notice.
The data that is used
The NFI process looks at the data that you provide when you make a claim or apply for:
- pension
- taxi driver licence
- market trader licence - voluntary
- personal alcohol licence - voluntary
- social housing (current tenants and individuals on a housing waiting list)
- Right to Buy (completed and in progress)
- transport pass and permit
- Council Tax Reduction Scheme
- Council Tax Single Person Discount
- Universal Credit
- Housing Benefit
- other state benefits
- COVID-19 financial support
- help with NHS health costs
In addition to the above, the NFI process examines information in relation to:
- payment of an invoice from an organisation that takes part in the NFI. This is referred to as trade creditor standing and payment history data
- payment for employment from an organisation that takes part in the NFI. This is referred to as payroll data
- registering to vote. This is referred to as Electoral Register data
- business rates
- a grant operated by a local authority. This is referred to as the Landlord Incentive Scheme
- protection of deposits paid by home renters. This is referred to as the Deposit Protection Service
- properties advertised and let for short periods. This is referred to as short-term rental of housing data
There are data specifications that set out exactly what data we process in the above areas. These can be found on the National Fraud Initiative: public sector data specifications webpage.
Data security
We take the security of your personal data seriously and implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect it from unauthorised access, loss, or misuse.
This notice will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary to ensure compliance with data protection laws.
Contact us
If you have any questions or concerns about how your data is processed, contact our Data Protection Officer at dpo@southwark.gov.uk.