URL: https://democracy.southend.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=1523

Decision Maker: Leader – Cabinet Member for Infrastructure and Corporate Strategy

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose: To consider the Notice of Motion referred by Council 9th July 2025 to Cabinet for consideration.

Content: To consider the Notice of Motion referred by Council 9th July 2025 to Cabinet for consideration. That it be agreed, the Leader:    1.      Notes the Notice of Motion on the ask for an independent investigation into Southend City Council's arrangement with Thurrock Council's Counter Fraud Investigation Department (CFID) and National Investigation Service (NATIS) referred to Cabinet by Council on 9 July 2025.   2.      Approves the scope of the investigation as proposed by the Notice of Motion as follows: a. The permissions given by this Council as to how we entered into this arrangement.   b. The legality of the investigations that led to prosecutions and convictions secured by CFID / NATIS in Southend and whether that makes them unsafe.   c. Were CFID / NATIS staff members attempting to impersonate Police Officers which is a criminal offence.   d. The current processes used by this Council to investigate fraud including how we obtain search warrants, production orders and process our own prosecutions.   3.      Delegates that the Monitoring Officer, in consultation with the Chief Executive, appoints an independent investigator to undertake this work. To obtain an independent view on whether the activities of the shared arrangement with Thurrock Council between 2014 and 2019, and the operations of the current in-house counter fraud team that has been in place since 2019 were and are appropriate in accordance with the scope provided by the Notice of Motion. Reject the Notice of Motion and continue without the additional information and assurance that undertaking the investigation will provide.

Date of Decision: October 16, 2025