Watchdog probe into £32k expenses row is branded ‘whitewash’

SPENDING watchdogs have been accused of a “whitewash” after praising changes made by a transport body that handed out £32,000 in expenses which could not be accounted for.

The Strathclyde Passenger Transport quango has been let off after deciding not to pursue two former employees who racked up £1,500 in expenses judged “personal and excessive” from a trip to Manchester on the day Rangers played in the Uefa Cup final.

The Accounts Commission last year found “serious deficiencies” in SPT’s handling of expenses and branded the taxpayer-funded junket to Manchester an “unacceptable use of public money”.

But now it says SPT has made “significant progress” in handling expenses claims and has taken concerns over the use of public money “seriously” by making improvements to its internal procedures.

Four senior SPT figures quit the body since questions first emerged over SPT’s expenses claims, with more than half of the £57,556 spent on official credit cards within the space of two years not supported by receipts. Last year’s report claimed there was no need for so many individuals to travel, expenses were for personal use and there was little evidence SPT got value for money.

Former head of communications Bob Wylie and ex-vice-chairman Davie McLachlan only paid back £290 of the £1,495 they claimed during the Manchester trip.

The Accounts Commission report said senior management had sought legal advice over trying to recoup the rest of the cash from the two individuals, but found that, as their trip had been authorised, the chances of recovery were “small”.

John Baillie, chairman of the Accounts Commission, said: “Last year we found serious deficiencies in the way SPT managed and controlled travel expenses.

“However, SPT took the matter seriously and initiated improvements. It has made significant progress against its action plan and this is to be welcomed.”

However, SNP MSP James Dornan, who represents Glasgow Cathcart, said: “This report is a complete whitewash. It is ridiculous that SPT cannot reclaim expenses that should not have been paid by the public purse. Are the Accounts Commission really saying that we are supposed to just let the public be ripped off and do nothing about it?”

SPT chairman Jonathan Findlay said: “Internal controls have long been tightened and all members and directors’ expenses are now published online.

“Perhaps James Dornan should use any influence he has with the SNP government to fight alongside SPT for key transport priorities such as better bus services rather than waste his time with political posturing which, at the end of the day, helps no-one.”