Cabinet approves anti-tax evasion policy

The Cabinet of Bridgend County Borough Council has approved a new anti-tax evasion policy.

By law, the council will be considered criminally liable and could face severe financial penalties if it fails to prevent those who act for, or on its behalf, from criminally facilitating tax evasion.

Examples of where the council faces the risk of exposure in relation to the facilitation of tax evasion include grants, outsourcing, and direct payments for care and support services.

Deputy Leader Hywel Williams said: “The council is committed to establishing and maintaining effective arrangements to prevent and detect acts of bribery, corruption and tax evasion by taxpayers and service users, whether they are deliberate or otherwise, in relation to the services it provides.

“The new policy has been developed to address the prevention of tax evasion and will provide a coherent and consistent approach for all employees and any person who performs services for and on behalf of the council.

“It is supplementary to the council’s wider anti-fraud and bribery strategy which sets out the key responsibilities with regard to fraud prevention and what to do if fraud or financial irregularity is suspected and the action that will be taken by management.”

Cabinet approved the new policy at its meeting on Tuesday 9 February.

Anyone who has any concerns can contact the council’s Senior Fraud Investigator Simon Roberts on 01656 643376 or email simon.roberts@bridgend.gov.uk