We are delighted to announce that Destin Solutions have once again been short listed in the Solutions Partner category of this year’s Public Finance Awards. The award is aimed at recognising organisations that have made an outstanding contribution by partnering with public sector bodies to deliver a transformative and innovative impact on public services. The submission put forward was based on the HUB small business rates relief fraud solution rolled out by the Kent Intelligence Nework (KIN).
KIN is a Kent-wide partnership between local authorities whom have the shared objectives of the detection, prevention and deterrence of fraud and corruption, and where possible the recovery of taxpayer money that has been claimed unlawfully. Incorporating the following Authorities; Ashford, Canterbury, Dartford, Dover, Folkestone & Hythe, Gravesham, Maidstone, Medway, Sevenoaks, Swale, Thanet, Tonbridge & Malling and Tunbridge Wells – our initial analysis identified a significant amount of suspected small business rates relief fraud was occurring across Kent.
Prior to the introduction of HUB, Kent Authorities had no mechanisms in place to carry out checks to confirm the application for relief met the SBRR qualifying criteria so consequently, awards were made purely on the basis of the circumstances declared. With the introduction of HUB, the KIN now have the ability to validate all SBRR awards across the whole of Kent.
To date, the KIN has been able to send out bills for an additional £313,467 due to incorrect or fraudulent claims which have been identified using the HUB solution. Cases requiring further investigation continue to be identified but this figure shows what has been achieved in a relatively short period of time since HUB was introduced.
Duncan Baxter, Director at Destin Solutions commented “we pride ourselves on partnering with innovative, forward-thinking Councils who understand the value of using data to get a better handle on, and be able to react to what is happening in their Authority. KIN have been a prime example of showcasing what can happen when different departments, colleagues and Councils pull together to achieve a common goal. We are continuing to develop the HUB fraud solution, taking user feedback and creating additional applications like the ‘avoidance register’ which helps flag businesses which may be engaged in rates avoidance activity.”
Winners will be announced on May 1st 2019 at an awards ceremony at the Brewery, London.
