Consultation on the expansion of the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) Data Matching Powers and the new Code of Data Matching Practice
Read the full outcome
Detail of outcome
The Government consultation on extending the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) to assist with four purposes in addition to fraud - the prevention and detection of errors and inaccuracies; recovery of debt owed to public bodies; the apprehension and prosecution of offenders; and the prevention and detection of crime - received a comprehensive response.
The views of respondents on the proposals were mixed. Many recognised the benefits of extending data matching generally and the data matching service of the NFI to new areas. However, many raised concerns, particularly around how extension would be operationalised and how individuals’ personal data would be managed.
The Government response sets out our intention to not proceed with extending the NFI to new purposes at this stage. In line with the Government’s commitment to doing more to prevent and detect fraud, the Government will retain the focus of the NFI on preventing and detecting fraud, supporting bodies in enhancing their fraud response through the use of data and analytics and through the creation of the new Public Sector Fraud Authority.
Feedback to the consultation will be used to inform the future development of the NFI, supplementing wider engagement activities. The Cabinet Office will continue to work closely with interested parties on the future direction of the NFI and new purposes and welcomes ongoing feedback.
Detail of feedback received
Almost 400 responses were provided to the Government consultation.
This was made up of 197 individuals, six special interest groups, 162 public sector organisations and 15 private sector organisations. There were 13 anonymous responses.
Original consultation
Consultation description
The Cabinet Office is consulting on widening the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) data matching powers and updating the NFI Code of Data Matching Practice. The powers are embedded within the Local Audit and Accountability Act, 2014 (the Act). The powers are:
- to assist in the prevention and detection of crime (other than fraud)
- to assist in the apprehension and prosecution of offenders
- to assist in prevention and detection of errors and inaccuracies
- to assist in the recovery of debt owing to public bodies
These proposals focus on increasing efficiency and improving the use of data in the process of government.
Documents
Updates to this page
Published 10 February 2021Last updated 22 August 2022 + show all updates
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The consultation has concluded and the Government response has been included.
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Updated as the consultation is extended by 6 weeks and will now close 5 May 2021.
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The consultation is extended by 2 weeks and will now close 24 March 2021.
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First published.