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Two staff suspended at community group
Secrecy surrounds internal inquiry
into allegations
THE Town Hall has confirmed it is investigating a regeneration
body set up to improve neighbourhoods around Gospel Oak.
Two members of GO Partnership staff have been suspended following
allegations about their “conduct”, although specific
details about the accusations are not being released by the
council.
Officials are keen to deal with the matter internally and have
been investigating the partnership behind closed doors for several
months.
The suspensions came late last year and were only confirmed
when the New Journal pressed the Town Hall on the matter.
The investigation could yet prove embarrassing for the Town
Hall because council chiefs have in the past been quick to praise
the partnership’s work.
Its membership includes high-ranking councillors such as Labour
leader Raj Chada, former chief Dame Jane Roberts and community
safety boss Jake Sumner. There is no suggestion that the councillors
are being investigated or are subject to any allegation. Cllr
Chada declined to comment.
The seven-year partnership was set up when Gospel Oak was recognised
as an area in need of extra government funding and has so far
been given £2.1 million. Camden Council is supposed to
oversee its accounts.
The allegations now engulfing the partnership are thought to
surround the way money was divided up and spent.
A council press official said: “Allegations have been made
regarding the conduct of two members of staff at the GO Partnership.
“Two members of staff were suspended and a thorough investigation
carried out. Procedures have concluded in the case of one member
of staff but have not yet been concluded in the second case.”
He added: “These are internal disciplinary matters which
affect members of staff and it is inappropriate to comment further
at this stage.
“Camden Council has rigorous procedures for investigating
such matters.” |
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