Audit Challenge To Accounts Of London Borough Of Hackney

EDM number 357 in 1996-97, proposed by Brian Sedgemore on 17/12/1996.

That this House notes that on 13th December 1996 a number of residents in Hackney formally challenged the annual audit of the accounts; notes that the challenge is based on a financial loss to the Council occasioned by the wilful misconduct of a number of councillors and council officers, including the Director of Housing, Mr Bernard Crofton; notes that the loss to the Council arises out of back-pay to the Director of Housing following his reinstatement in 1996, the continuing payment of his salary, redundancy payments to Mr Yeboah, the Director of Personnel, and various other costs; understands that the wilful misconduct relates to (1) the dishonesty of Mr Crofton, (2) attempts by councillors and officers to corrupt the Council's disciplinary procedures and (3) the corruption of the Council's disciplinary procedures; further understands that the actions of the Chief Executive, Mr Tony Elliston, have been called into question; notes that the evidence consists of documentation of Mr Crofton's disciplinary proceedings, the Report of Ian Macdonald QC, a Report by the Labour Party NEC agreed on 31st July 1996, and witness statements; notes that the objectors are seeking restitution from and surcharge of councillors and officers; and calls on the District Auditor, Chris Koehli, to act with due speed and diligence.

This motion has been signed by a total of 1 MPs.