Inquiry into Processing of Invoices

8.37.03pm GMT Wed 16th Mar 2005

Milton Keynes Council has instigated an internal inquiry following the discovery of discrepancies in the processing of invoices by HBS.

The Council has seen a drop in performance from 80% in December to a low of 47% in January for the number of invoices paid within 30 days. This prompted the Council to call in Internal Auditors.

The work of Internal Audit has so far revealed a number of issues that cause serious concern. Council auditors are now working alongside HBS who have already engaged their external auditors, KPMG, to determine the extent of the problem.

Steve Huxley, Chief Operating Officer for HBS, has already given assurances that HBS will work with Milton Keynes Council to ensure that service targets will be achieved and that all measures used will accurately reflect performance.

Liberal Democrat Council Leader, Isobel Wilson, said: "We are deeply concerned over these initial findings. We remain committed to the partnership with HBS that has delivered significant improvements in service areas such as Revenues and Benefits and in public access through Milton Keynes Direct, but we are determined that HBS must deliver services to the required standard across all areas".