Consultation on the expansion of the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) Data Matching Powers and the new Code of Data Matching Practice

The Cabinet Office is consulting on widening the National Fraud Initiative (NFI) data matching powers and updating the NFI Code of Data Matching Practice. The powers are embedded within the Local Audit and Accountability Act, 2014 (the Act). The powers are:

• to assist in the prevention and detection of crime (other than fraud)
• to assist in the apprehension and prosecution of offenders
• to assist in prevention and detection of errors and inaccuracies
• to assist in the recovery of debt owing to public bodies

These proposals focus on increasing efficiency and improving the use of data in the process of government.