By Keith Aitken in Edinburgh | 20 October 2011
The Strathclyde Partnership for Transport has improved its internal financial controls following a major expenses scandal, auditors said today.SPT was hit by a string of resignations last year after it emerged that senior councillors and officials had claimed more than £100,000 in expenses between 2006 and 2009. Most notorious were claims for costs arising from a meeting in Manchester that coincided with the Rangers football team playing there in the 2008 UEFA Cup Final.
An investigation ordered by the Accounts Commission, which reported last November, found the expenses culture in the senior ranks of SPT ‘fell well short of what is expected of those holding public office and overseeing public funds’.
But a follow-up report, published today, says SPT has implemented the seven main reforms recommended by the Accounts Commission.
It also accepts as ‘reasonable’ the authority’s decision, on legal advice, not to continue trying to reclaim outstanding disputed expenses from former directors and executives. Some money has been repaid.
Accounts Commission chair John Baillie said: ‘Public bodies need to demonstrate good governance in using public money.
‘Last year, we found serious deficiencies in the way SPT managed and controlled travel expenses. We were also concerned about the culture and behaviour by some of its most senior elected members and officers in relation to trips and expenses.’
He added: ‘However, SPT took the matter seriously and initiated improvements. It has made significant progress against its action plan and this is to be welcomed.’
Those who resigned in the wake of the expenses row included SPT chair Alistair Watson, vice chair David McLachlan and chief executive Ron Culley.
