A fraud investigation at Guildford Borough Council's Housing Department has been escalated to a regional organised crime unit.
The inquiry launched by Surrey Police last November, centres on allegations of fraud in housing repair contracts for work on Council properties. Surrey Police have stated that "due to the size and complexity" of the investigation, the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit (SEROCU) would be taking over.
A spokesperson from Lib Dem ran Guildford Borough Council (GBC) said that the local authority has been working closely with the Police and anti-fraud investigators. They added:
"The Police are leading on an investigation into an allegation of fraud in our major cyclical repairs programme of works within our housing maintenance service. The situation is a very complex one and we are working closely with the police and Reigate and Banstead accredited anti-fraud investigation unit.
"The investigation is in the early stages and, given the complexity of the investigation will take a considerable amount of time to resolve. As the investigation is ongoing, we're unable to provide any further specific details at this time."
There has been no mention on how deep this issue goes within the Lib Dem administration, nor has there been comment on the handing over of the investigation to SEROCU, despite the Lib Dem's standing on a platform calling for openness, transparency and accountability at last year's local elections.
Surrey Police said:
"An initial investigation into this matter was carried out by the Surrey and Sussex Police Economic Crime Unit with the borough council to understand the nature and scale of the circumstances involved. Due to the size and complexity of the investigation, a decision was made to approach the South East Regional Organised Crime Unit.
"The investigation will be formally handed over to the SEROCU team over the coming weeks."
