Following several requests and to ensure this year’s report represents as many authorities as possible, the deadline for the Local Authority Counter Fraud Survey 2026 has been extended by two weeks.
This extension will allow for broader representation across the sector and support a more accurate, comprehensive picture of current counter‑fraud activity.
If you have not yet completed the survey, there is now additional time to submit your response and make sure your authority’s experience and perspective is represented.
Director of NAFN, Mark Astley, states:
“This survey is becoming the principal evidence base for understanding the local government counter fraud landscape. The findings help demonstrate the scale of fraud, the value delivered by counter fraud teams and provide evidence to influence future policy, legislation, professional standards and investment. One authority can tell its own story. Fifty authorities telling the same story creates evidence. One hundred authorities telling the same story creates a compelling case for change.”
What is new for this year’s survey?
Launched by NAFN on 11 August with the support of the Fighting Fraud and Corruption Locally (FFCL) Board, this is the second Local Authority Counter Fraud Survey.
The survey aims to build a current national picture of fraud risk, counter-fraud capacity and organisational preparedness across local government.
Following feedback from last year, this year’s survey has been expanded to cover areas including:
- Grant fraud
- Bribery and corruption
- The Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act (ECCTA) 2023
- Emerging fraud risks and threats
- Organisational resilience and preparedness
- The use of data, intelligence and technology in counter-fraud activity
Only around a quarter of the questions require supporting figures or data, with the remainder focusing on arrangements, governance, risk management and proposed approaches, making the survey quicker and easier for you to complete.
Have your say
Thank you to everyone who has already contributed to this year’s survey, whether by completing the questionnaire, sharing insights, providing feedback or supporting its development.
If you have not yet responded, please take advantage of the extended deadline and submit your response. Your contribution will help ensure the 2026 report provides as comprehensive a picture of local authority counter-fraud arrangements as possible.
If you believe you should have received the survey, are the appropriate person to respond on behalf of your authority, or need support, please contact marketing@nafn.gov.uk.
We look forward to sharing the findings and using them to support the wider local authority counter-fraud community.