THE work of the National Investigation Service (Natis) will be moved from Thurrock Council to the Insolvency Service after accusations “public money was not being spent effectively” reports the Local Democracy Reporter.
Business and Trade Minister Gareth Thomas announced the plan in May and stated all ongoing viable cases would be transferred.
Natis has 74 staff based across the UK working for central government on national investigations into fraud related to Covid-19 business grants. They will now transfer to the Insolvency Service.
At the time of the announcement, John Kent, then leader of Thurrock Council, said: “I’m pleased that the future of work of the National
Investigation Service is looking secure, and that this important work will transfer to a national organisation with a focus on tackling financial wrongdoing.”
However, the Department for Business and Trade said: “Our review of Natis’s performance showed that public money was not being spent effectively, which is why all ongoing viable cases will be transferred to the Insolvency Service over the coming months.
“We have worked closely with the Crown Prosecution Service and are confident that no concluded cases are at risk of being overturned.”
