Following an investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) after allegations that a HMRC team leader stole up to £10,530 using corporate credit cards, it has told the Revenue to improve its financial management.
Over a 12 month period to July 2011 there were a number of credit card cash withdrawals which the IPCC questioned. Most of these were made using a manager's credit card, although cards used by other team members which the team leader had access to, were also used.
It was claimed by the manager that some of the money was employed on intelligence sources and to keep a petty cash float in her unit. The IPCC found this explanation to be “inherently implausible” and that it was more likely she had used the money illegally for her own personal means.
Sarah Green, the IPCC commissioner, said, “Public servants have a responsibility to ensure that the resources they are entrusted with are used responsibly. What our investigators found in this case fell below the standards expected.”
A review of credit card procedures was also undertaken by the IPCC at the unit which gave rise to grave concerns as to how easily the credit cards could be used without detection. The IPCC found that there were inadequate systems in operation, the office petty cash system was slack and there was no clear audit process.
The IPCC made a number of recommendations to HMRC including the frequent changing of codes to room and cupboard locks and ensuring a transparent and accountable audit process for all financial accounting. This has prompted the Revenue to alter its system for credit card usage at the office, review its procedures and carry out a full audit of all transactions.
Although the offending team leader was dismissed following a disciplinary hearing no criminal charges were brought against her by the Crown Prosecution Service.
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