Issue - meetings

The Committee gave consideration to a report which stood recommended from the Joint Staff Consultative Committee (JSCC). The Chairman invited Councillor P. Key, as Chairman of JSCC, to make comment. Councillor Key confirmed that the policy had been vigorously scrutinised by the JSCC and received full support, He recommended approval and adoption of the reviewed policy to the Committee.

Members heard that the report presented a revised policy which outlined the Council's approach to preventing and responding to anti money laundering and now incorporated the prevention of financial crime. The previous Anti Money Laundering Policy had been in place for a number of years and, following an audit of the council’s fraud policies and processes, a review of the existing policy was recommended, specifically, to combine the Prevention of Financial Crime Policy and the Anti-Money Laundering Policy.

The revised policy provided a clear framework for the Council to undertake necessary, legal, and proportionate actions where evidence supported an investigation into an allegation of money laundering or financial crime, and set out that the Council would seek to deal with cases brought to its attention. The policy detailed the Council’s no tolerance stance to all forms of money laundering and financial crime, and referenced the policy framework with which staff, contractors, members and suppliers must comply. Reporting mechanisms were also included.

With Members expressed their thanks to the JSCC for their consideration and recommendation of the policy, the paper was duly seconded and voted upon. It was

            RESOLVED that

a)    the recommendation from the Joint Staff Consultative Committee be accepted, and the revised Anti-Money Laundering and Financial Crime Prevention Policy be approved; and

b)    minor housekeeping amendments be delegated to the Section 151 Officer following consultation with the Chairman of the JSCC and CP&R Committees.