National Fraud Initiative

The National Fraud Initiative (NFI) is a UK-wide data matching exercise. The UK Government’s Public Sector Fraud Authority (PSFA) leads the NFI at a UK-level and in England, but it is delivered in Wales under the Auditor General’s data matching powers. Data from various bodies is compared electronically to look for and help address anomalies that may indicate fraud, overpayment, or error.

Since it began in 1996, the NFI has reported outcomes for Wales amounting to £65.2 million. Outcomes being the financial value given to identified cases of fraud, overpayment, or error. Those have contributed to UK-wide outcomes of around £3.5 billion.

Our report on the findings of the 2024-25 NFI exercise. 

NFI 2026-27

Participants can access further information on the NFI web app including:

  • a list of the responsibilities of the nominated officers at the participating body;
  • details of any further requirements and returns concerning the data to be provided;
  • a data protection compliance return; and
  • information on how to interpret matches, and on co-operation between participating bodies.

Data for NFI 2026-27 is due to be submitted by participants in October 2026. Information on the data specifications and the timetable for submitting the data is available on GOV.UK here: 

This checklist is designed to help all participating NFI bodies self-appraise their involvement in the NFI prior to and during the NFI exercise:

We encourage all participating bodies to complete the checklist and present it to those charged with governance to support scrutiny of their NFI arrangements.

NFI Council Tax 2026-27 exercise

Council Tax data and Electoral Register data should be submitted annually for the NFI single-person discount fraud matching.

The 2026-27 data submission is mandatory for all unitary authorities in Wales, and data can be submitted from Monday 1 December 2026.

Information on the data specifications and the timetable for submitting the data is available on GOV.UK here:

Code of data matching practice

The Code of Data Matching Practice of the Auditor General for Wales [opens in new window] was prepared to guide all those who take part in data-matching work.

Fair processing

Our privacy notice tells you what to expect when we collect personal data for data matching exercises and explains how we protect your privacy.

How can my organisation get involved?

If you are interested and want to find out more please email national.fraud@audit.wales.