North Lanarkshire Council probes corruption allegations
"serious allegations of corruption" are being investigated following allegations made in an anoymous letter to their council leader
A council has launched an investigation into "serious allegations of corruption'' relating to its procurement processes.
North Lanarkshire Council said the detailed allegations were made in an anonymous letter to council leader Jim Logue on Thursday.
The local authority's internal audit team has been tasked with investigating the matter and police have also been informed.
Mr Logue said: "These allegations, which are detailed, concern some of the council's procurement processes. If true, they are extremely serious.
"I immediately instructed Paul Jukes, the chief executive, to launch an investigation. That investigation, led by the council's internal audit team, is already under way.
"Should the auditors find anything which substantiates these allegations, that evidence will immediately be handed over to Police Scotland.
"The internal audit team are able to access all files held by any part of the council and all IT systems. The chief executive has also made Police Scotland aware of the allegations and investigation.''
He added: "It is essential that the people of North Lanarkshire are able to have full confidence in the way the council conducts its business and I am determined that we are transparent at all times.
"Although these are currently unsubstantiated, anonymous allegations I believe that it is right to carry out a full investigation and share any evidence which comes to light with the police.''