This episode explores the significant issue of banking fraud in the UK. We'll cover the two main types: unauthorised fraud, where criminals make payments without permission, and authorised push payment (APP) fraud, where victims are tricked into sending money themselves. Learn about the scale of losses – £1.2 billion stolen in 2023. We'll discuss how law enforcement and the government are working to tackle fraud, including criticisms of past efforts. Crucially, we examine the banking industry's role and recent changes like mandatory reimbursement for APP fraud victims.

Key Takeaways

• Criminals stole £1.2 billion through banking fraud and scams in 2023.
• Fraud accounted for over 40% of crimes against individuals in England and Wales in 2024.
• Unauthorised fraud involves payments made without the account holder's permission. Payment providers almost always reimburse victims.
• Authorised Push Payment (APP) fraud is where a victim is tricked into sending money.
• From October 2024, payment service providers are legally required to reimburse APP fraud victims up to £85,000, subject to conditions.
• The police response to fraud has been criticised, with a low percentage of reported cases leading to investigation.
• The government published a Fraud Strategy in 2023 aiming to stop fraud, pursue criminals, and help victims.
• Banking industry actions include the Banking Protocol scheme, sharing intelligence with police, and implementing Confirmation of Payee.

Important Definitions and Concepts

• Authorised Push Payment (APP) Fraud: Occurs when a victim is tricked into sending money directly from their account to an account controlled by a criminal.
• Action Fraud: The national reporting centre for fraud in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, which collects reports before they are analysed by the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB).

Source: Banking fraud
Research Briefing
19 May, 2025

Support the show

Follow and subscribe to 'The Bench Report' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for new episodes Mon-Thurs: thebenchreport.co.uk

Extended shownotes for selected episodes can be found at: thebenchreport.substack.com

Shape our next episode! Get in touch with an issue important to you - Producer Tom will grab another coffee and start the research!

Email us: thebenchreportuk@gmail.com

Follow us on YouTube, X, Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram @BenchReportUK

Support us for bonus episodes and more.

No outside chatter: source material only taken from Hansard and the Parliament UK website.

Contains Parliamentary information repurposed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0.

UK MPs recently debated the future of public libraries, highlighting their vital role as community hubs providing books, digital access, study spaces, and support. Despite facing real-terms cuts since 2010, leading to closures and reduced hours, libraries continue to deliver immense educational, economic, and social value. Speakers stressed the need for better funding, improved national data collection, and implementing recommendations from the Sanderson review, such as a national strategy and increased recognition. The debate explored how libraries adapt through innovation, community involvement, and providing non-transactional safe spaces.

Key Takeaways:

• Public libraries are seen as essential community hubs offering diverse services beyond books.
• Libraries face significant challenges including funding cuts and closures since 2010.
• Local authorities have a statutory duty to provide a comprehensive library service, though the definition is vague.
• There is a strong call for a national strategy for libraries, supported by robust data collection.
• Libraries play a crucial role in supporting digital inclusion, tackling isolation, and promoting lifelong learning.

Important Definitions and Concepts:

• Statutory Duty: A legal requirement for local authorities in England and Wales to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964.
• Sanderson Review: An independent review of public libraries in England commissioned by the government, which made several recommendations including a national data hub, national branding, and a Libraries Laureate.
• Community Hubs: Libraries are evolving beyond just borrowing books to offer diverse services like digital access, study spaces, community events, and support, acting as central points for local residents.

Discussion: Given the evolving role of libraries and funding pressures, what innovative approaches could ensure libraries remain vital and accessible resources for all community members in the future?

Source: Future of Public Libraries
Volume 767: debated on Wednesday 14 May 2025

Support the show

Follow and subscribe to 'The Bench Report' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for new episodes on weekdays: thebenchreport.co.uk

Extended shownotes for selected episodes can be found at: thebenchreport.substack.com

Shape our next episode! Get in touch with an issue important to you - Producer Tom will grab another coffee and start the research!

Email us: thebenchreportuk@gmail.com

Follow us on YouTube, X, Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram @BenchReportUK

Support us for bonus episodes and more.

No outside chatter: source material only taken from Hansard and the Parliament UK website.

Contains Parliamentary information repurposed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0.

Our fourth and final episode on local government discovers how local government in England is held accountable. Councils answer to both their local voters and the central government. They are financially independent with their own assets and ability to borrow. Central oversight comes through the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) and designated Accounting Officers, who are personally responsible for public funds. This system uses financial rules, audits, and transparency to ensure councils spend money prudently. The government can intervene if a council fails its Best Value duty.

Key Takeaways:

• English local authorities are accountable locally to voters and centrally to government departments like DLUHC.
• Councils are financially independent but must follow statutory financial codes and rules.
• Every council has an Accounting Officer personally accountable for public funds, often to Parliament.
• Central government collects various data to get assurance about local spending and services.
• Important financial rules include guidance on treasury management, investments, minimum revenue provision (MRP), and borrowing limits under the Prudential Code.
• Councils have a Best Value duty to continuously improve services efficiently.
• The government can legally intervene if a council is failing its Best Value duty.
• OFLOG was established to publish performance data but is being closed.

Important Definitions & Concepts:

• Accounting Officer: A senior official (often the Chief Executive) in a local authority personally accountable to Parliament (usually via the Public Accounts Committee) for the use of public funds.
• Best Value Duty: A legal requirement for principal local authorities in England to continuously improve how they perform their functions, considering economy, efficiency, and effectiveness.
• Prudential Code: A code that provides guidance on borrowing and managing capital finance for local authorities, including setting limits.

Source: Local government in England: structures
Research Briefing
Published Tuesday, 22 April, 2025

Support the show

Follow and subscribe to 'The Bench Report' on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for new episodes on weekdays: thebenchreport.co.uk

Extended shownotes for selected episodes can be found at: thebenchreport.substack.com

Shape our next episode! Get in touch with an issue important to you - Producer Tom will grab another coffee and start the research!

Email us: thebenchreportuk@gmail.com

Follow us on YouTube, X, Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram @BenchReportUK

Support us for bonus episodes and more.

No outside chatter: source material only taken from Hansard and the Parliament UK website.

Contains Parliamentary information repurposed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0.