Camden council rolls out big data analytics to tackle tax fraud

The London Borough of Camden has rolled out a big data platform from IBM to help cut costs by detecting and reducing tax fraud.

Camden is using IBM's Big Data and Analytics technology to improve services and tackle fraud by creating a 'Residents Index' repository that unifies data across various services the council provides to residents.

"Information we once considered unobtainable is now within our grasp," said Hilary Simpson, head of ICT business partnering at London Borough of Camden. "We have identified at least a dozen specific examples where a Residents' Index, based on IBM Big Data and Analytics technology can help us."

The announcement comes as IBM releases new software and services aimed at countering fraud as part of an update to its Big Data and Analytics portfolio, centred around a new Counter Fraud Management Software offering.

Recent research from professional services firm Ernst & Young (EY) revealed that most businesses are failing to make use of big data analytics to prevent fraudulent activity.

Simpson believes that by implementing the IBM system as an early adopter, the council will be able to make significant savings by quickly identifying and reacting to fraud.

"We estimate that the solution could help to cut single person council tax discount fraud by five percent, potentially delivering major savings for our borough," Simpson.

Last month Camden council published its first digital strategy plans, requesting feedback from local residents on how it can use technology to improve future services.

"Camden wants to realise how digital technology and big data can be a way to save money and improve services through co-production, collaboration and challenge by residents and businesses," said Councillor Theo Blackwell, Camden's cabinet member for finance at the time.