Welsh councils report fraud recoveries and data‑breach dismissals

Powys County Council’s Counter Anti‑Error and Fraud Team (CAFT) said it recovered more than £1.55 million for the authority in the past year, plus an additional £126,000 for the public purse. The work involved investigations into council tax, universal credit and housing benefit, and led to the dismissal of a council employee.

Conwy County Council’s Governance and Audit Committee disclosed that a data‑protection breach in its social‑services department resulted in the dismissal of one worker, a written warning for another staff member and the resignation of a council officer. Separate IT‑security incidents also prompted disciplinary actions. Both investigations are subject to ongoing police inquiries.

The reports highlighted the councils’ cooperation with police, the Department for Work and Pensions and other enforcement agencies, and the development of action plans and lessons‑learned recommendations for future governance.