Data matching
We are required by law to protect the public funds that we manage. We may share information given to us with other bodies responsible for auditing or administering public money to help prevent and detect fraud.
Data matching involves comparing computer records held by one organisation against other computer records held by the same, or another organisation, to see how far they match. This is usually personal information.
Data matching allows potentially fraudulent claims and payments to be identified. Where a match is found it may highlight an inconsistency which requires further investigation. No assumption can be made as to whether there is fraud until an investigation is carried out.
We currently match data from the following systems:
- benefits
- car parking (blue badges, parking permits)
- concessionary travel schemes
- creditors and procurement
- electoral register
- insurance
- licensing
- payroll
- personal budget or social care
- taxation
We also share some or all of this data with external bodies such as the Cabinet Office, HM Revenues and Customs (HMRC) and Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) so they may undertake data matching exercises on a national scale.
All use of data is in compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
The legal basis for processing your personal data is that it is necessary for the performance of a task carried out in the public interest or in the exercise of official authority vested in the data controller.
This includes special categories of personal information. The legal basis for processing your sensitive personal data is that it is necessary for reasons of substantial public interest for the exercise of a function of the Crown, a Minister of the Crown, or a government department.
Data matching by the Cabinet Office is subject to a Code of Practice.
Complaints about the Council's use of personal data can be referred to the Information Commissioner's Office.
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