Accounts Commission orders investigation into Strathclyde Fire chief

THE Accounts Commission has ordered a new investigation into a decision by Strathclyde Fire and Rescue to let a chief officer retire and then start work again.

It has requested a report from the Controller of Audit into the row involving Brian Sweeney, chief fire officer at Strathclyde.

PriceWaterhouseCoopers raised concerns about the decision in an annual audit, but the fire and rescue board has insisted that it acted “responsibly and reasonably, having first of all obtained legal advice that such actions were within the powers of the board”.

John Baillie, chairman of the Accounts Commission, said: “We have decided to seek further evidence and clarification from the Controller of Audit on the arrangements made by Strathclyde Fire & Rescue for its chief fire officer’s retirement.

“We are interested in the process by which the fire board reached its decision.”