We're required by law to protect the public funds we administer. We may share information with other organisations responsible for auditing or administering public funds, in order to prevent and detect fraud.
As part of data matching we carry out regular checks, such as checking whether people’s circumstances have changed, and whether that means they should no longer be claiming benefits.
Data matching is subject to data protection legislation and the Code of Data Matching Practice.
Computerised data matching
Computerised data matching involves comparing computer records held by one organisation against other records held by the same or another organisation. If a match or inconsistency is found this indicates the need for further investigation. We cannot make any assumptions as to whether there is a case of fraud, error or whether there is any other explanation until we make further checks.
Sharing information for data matching
We currently provide data to several outside organisations, for example, the National Fraud Initiative, Housing Benefit Matching Service, and LOCTA.