External auditors have rejected a complaint that East Lothian Council’s ruling Administration misused public funds by spending £14,000 on flood defence gates for properties in an area of West Barns.

The complaint was made in May of this year by opposition Councillor Norman Hampshire, in which he alleged that Administration councillors had failed to comply with legislation governing Local Government expenditure. However, an investigation by Audit Scotland has concluded that the Council had the authority to purchase the gates from its flood prevention capital budget and that there was no breach of the scheme of delegated authority which allowed officers to do so.

Council Environment spokesman, Councillor Paul McLennan, said that he was delighted with the auditor’s decision.

“Staff interviews conducted by Audit Scotland established that a number of options were considered by the Council to alleviate the flooding problem in this area,” said Councillor McLennan. “The auditor’s conclusion is that our preferred solution offered the best value for money in the circumstances. I am extremely pleased that our actions, which were taken in the best interests of local residents, have been vindicated by this decision.”

ENDS
19 August 2008

Issued by David Russell, Corporate Communications. Tel. 01620 827655. Email. drussell@eastlothian.gov.uk