Spot-check exposes dodgy expenses claims

SOME staff who submitted travel claims included mileage from their home to office or depot, while other claims were found to be duplicate, a Carmarthenshire Council report said.

- RICHARD YOULE

In-house auditors checked a sample of 20 mileage claims and found that seven hadn't deducted the home to office or depot element of the journey, which isn’t covered.

Auditors also identified that seven mileage claims out of 20 were in fact duplicate claims.

In another sample of 20 claims, auditors found that 10 either had no supporting information or valid VAT receipts.

They also checked 20 food and drink claims and identified three where no receipts or other documentation was provided. Auditors were unable to corroborate one of the other claims, said the report before the council’s governance and audit committee, because the relevant manager didn’t respond to them.

It emerged that receipts could not be attached to travel claims on the council's IT system, according to the report.