Investigation over alleged 'irregularities' at NI council

An autarkic researcher has been appointed by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to look into alleged “procurement and fiscal irregularities".

Councillors were told that pursuing a "preliminary investigation" of the concerns, it had been determined, nether the council's Anti-Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Policy, that "a afloat ceremonial probe is required".

Elected representatives were besides informed that a procurement workout had been carried retired with the accountancy steadfast KPMG appointed to undertake the it.

The update was provided during a down closed doors conception of a quarterly Audit Committee gathering successful June, according to assembly minutes

The assembly has not confirmed if the KPMG probe relates to an ongoing Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) fraud probe astatine the council.

BBC News NI antecedently reported the PSNI was investigating an allegation of fraud and that a assembly authoritative has been suspended.

A PSNI spokesperson said the force's enquiries remained ongoing and officers proceed to liaise with representatives from the assembly successful narration to the matter.

Details of the autarkic probe and the assignment of KPMG emerged successful a confidential study presented to councillors by the Audit, Risk and Governance manager.

Councillors were asked to urge the assignment of the autarkic researcher to the afloat council, according to minutes from the Audit Committee meeting.

The council's manager of firm services besides emphasised the request for "confidentiality and sensitivity astir the analyzable matter".

The council’s main concern serviceman advised that successful presumption of outgo the “initial estimation for the autarkic investigator” was £11,500.

However helium said this depended connected the “scale and scope of the work”.

It is understood councillors agreed to o.k. the autarkic probe during a aboriginal meeting.

A spokesperson for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said it “does not remark connected ongoing interior investigations”.

Stormont's Department for Communities, which oversees section authorities successful Northern Ireland, said: “The section cannot remark connected progressive investigations of this nature.”

The Northern Ireland Audit Office said: “The Local Government Auditor is alert of the ongoing probe by assembly and is monitoring its progress.”

The astir caller gathering of the council’s audit committee successful September heard that nary caller allegations of fraud were reported successful the past 4th and that “all different investigations are presently ongoing”.