Conservative led Essex County Council racks up over £5 million on credit cards

As reported in the Daily Mail, the Telegraph, and Chronicle News Group the Conservative led Essex County Council have racked up spending over over £5 million in just 2 years on credit cards. Spending was on a diverse array of items including underwear, make-up, pizza, theatre tickets, 5 star hotels and trips to a golf club.

Following the revelations in the local and national press that have highlighted the potential misuse of the 'Purchase Card' scheme by some Essex County Council employees, Liberal Democrat County Councillor, David Kendall has put down a Motion to Full Council on 10 July 2012 calling for an independent inquiry to scrutinize the reported £5.1 million spend since the Purchase Card was first introduced back in December 2009. The inquiry will be tasked with investigating a cross section of purchases under £2,000, to ensure that all past transactions have related to Essex County Council business, and have been in strict accordance with the Council's Purchase Card policy.

Cllr David Kendall said:

"If Essex County Council truly believes in openness and transparency, it is vital we address residents' concerns on this very important issue. If there are found to be specific instances of misuse, those responsible must be held accountable for their actions and disciplinary action taken."