Eliza Lockhart’s whistleblowing research informs UK government policy

Eliza Lockhart’s research The role of financial rewards for whistleblowers in the fight against economic crime is having a profound impact upon upon government policy and planning.

Clearly drawing upon Eliza’s research, the UK’s Chancellor recent budget statement announced a “strengthened reward scheme for informants who provide valuable information which allows HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to tackle high-value avoidance or evasion, modelled on the US scheme”, with a new portal for reporting available.

In the lead-up to the budget announcement, media, including the Financial Times, Business Matters and City AM, trailed the initiative, referring to case studies that are unique to Eliza Lockhart’s SOC ACE paper.

Her research was also cited directly in the new UK Anti-Corruption Strategy as further evidence underpinning the new policy. In the section Identification and referrals it cites Eliza’s SOC ACE report and says “Whistleblowers are one of the most effective assets in identifying wrongdoing, as they often witness corrupt behaviour from the inside and can prevent further harm early.

“Arguments have also been made for more UK regulators to pay corporate whistleblowers to report wrongdoing, in light of evidence from other countries that such programmes are reaping increased actionable intelligence on corrupt activities and enhancing law enforcement outcomes.”

The government budget statement adds“…For cases where tax over £1.5 million is recovered, HMRC will pay rewards up to 30% of the additional tax collected that would otherwise have gone unpaid.”