Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if she will make an assessment of the implications for her policies of the findings of Which?'s investigation into Action Fraud, published in October 2019 relating to the performance of the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau.

The Home Office is aware of various allegations in the press about Action Fraud and the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau within the City of London Police. The government remains committed to improving the law enforcement response to fraud. This is why we requested that Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) conduct a thematic inspection on fraud to ensure our response is meeting the needs of fraud victims. The City of London Police (as the National Lead Force for fraud) is currently implementing recommendations within HMICFRS’ inspection report.

The Home Office will monitor delivery of HMICFRS’ recommendations through its Economic Crime Delivery Board (chaired by the Permanent Secretaries of the Home Office and HMT) and Economic Crime Strategic Board (chaired by the Home Secretary and the Chancellor).