Data matching involves comparing sets of data, such as payroll or benefits records, of one organisation against records held by the same or another organisation to see if fraudulent claims and payments can be identified.

The Wales Audit Office developed the data matching code following consultation with the organisations required to take part in data matching, the Information Commissioner and other relevant organisations. It also took into account the Information Commissioner’s Information Sharing Framework Code of Practice.

The code helps people to know why their data are being matched. It also sets out the standards that apply to data matching and where further information on such exercises can be found.

Auditor General for Wales, Jeremy Colman, said today:
“Every year millions of pounds of public money is lost through fraudulent claims and payments. Data Matching is a powerful way of tackling this, but it needs to be done carefully to prevent unnecessary intrusion into people’s affairs. My new Code promotes compliance with the law and good practice in data matching exercises.”

Notes to Editors:

• From 2008, the Auditor General will conduct data matching exercises under his new statutory powers contained in the Public Audit (Wales) Act 2004 (The 2004 Act), as amended by the Serious Crime Act 2007. 
• The Auditor General must prepare a Code of Practice following consultation with bodies required to participate (local government and NHS), the Information Commissioner and other relevant bodies. He must also lay a copy of the Code, and any alterations made to it, before the National Assembly for Wales, and publish the code.
• The code is a statutory requirement. It governs all the Auditor General’s future data matching exercise for the purposes of the prevention and detection of fraud until a replacement is laid before the National Assembly for Wales.
• The Wales Audit Office is independent of government and is responsible for the annual audit of some £19 billion of annual public expenditure. Its mission is to promote improvement, so that people in Wales benefit from accountable, well-managed public services that offer the best possible value for money. It is also committed to identify and spreading good practice across the Welsh public sector.