Data matching

Hampshire County Council is required by law to protect the public funds it administers. To prevent and detect fraud, it may share information provided to it with other organisations responsible for; auditing, administering public funds, or where undertaking a public function.

Data matching compares computer records held by one body against other computer records held by the same or another body to see how far they match. This is usually personal information. Computerised data matching can identify potentially fraudulent claims and payments. If a match is found it may show that there is an inconsistency which needs further investigation. It can't be assumed that there is fraud, error or other explanation until an investigation is complete.

The Cabinet Office is responsible for carrying out data matching exercises. Hampshire County Council participates in this and it's called the National Fraud Initiative. We are required to provide particular sets of data to the Minister for the Cabinet Office for matching.

The use of data by the Cabinet Office in a data matching exercise is carried out with statutory authority under Part 6 of the Local Audit and Accountability Act 2014. It does not require the consent of the individuals concerned under data protection legislation. View further information on the Cabinet Office's legal powers and the reasons why it matches particular information.

Data matching by the Cabinet Office is subject to a Code of Practice.

For further information on data matching at this authority contact Andy Payne, Senior Auditor, on 01962 845125 or email [email protected].

For further information on the Data Protection Act and information compliance contact Head of Information Governance Unit, on 01962 846612 or email [email protected].