I hope you are all well and keeping safe. It seems a lot of people are less than honest and after our money!!!!

On Tuesday I attended Cabinet at West Suffolk Council. There is a slot for non Cabinet councillors to ask questions which I used. I asked a number of questions about the £52k fraud against West Suffolk Council. My questions were:

1. In the audit paper to PASC whilst a fraud was mentioned there was no mention of the amount. Was this being suppressed for any reason and by whom?

2. Was anyone from the council involved in the fraud?

3. What are the details of the fraud?

4. Were the police informed and were they involved in the investigation. If not, why not?

5. Was this human error or a process failing?

6. Have there been any consequences for any staff members (extra training, disciplinary etc)?

7. When did the fraud take place?

8. Has the amount been written off?

9. Given the scale and nature of the fraud I believe that all councillors should be made aware of what has happened together with all the details. Why has this not happened?

10. At PASC we identified that the risk register does not appear to be working correctly. Was this a contributory factor in this fraud?

I was not given an answer there and then but have been promised a written answer. This is a serious matter that needs the disinfectant of sunlight!!!

A warning for all. Our postman told me today that a lot of people are being scammed buying postage stamps form the internet and Amazon in particular. When the stamps are used the recipient of the Christmas Card is then faced with a large charge. Not the Merry Christmas they would be expecting.

And of course, the issue with our local serial fraudster rumbles on. I get very upset when hard working people invest their money, in good faith, without being told that one of the principles of the company is a convicted fraudster who has been in prison for 5 year, 5 years and 7 years for fraud. As long as people know what they are investing in that is fine.

Unfortunately, I am now the subject of a complaint to West Suffolk Council , by the fraudster, who is unhappy I am letting potential investors know of his past!!!!!! Interestingly, a recent Director of the company, now believes he has been subject of a fraud and has reported it to Action Fraud and resigned as a Director. More details when the complaint has been dealt with.

I was elected as a councillor and believe it is my duty to protect and help the public. I did not expect to get tied up in dealing with so much fraud!!!