A community event in Deptford is being investigated for allegations of misuse of public funds and endangering councillors, according to a new report on whistleblowing.  

Lewisham has published a list of issues raised by whistleblowers since October 2018 to the council – the details of how the complaints were dealt with are to be discussed at a standards committee meeting on Wednesday (January 8).  

The purpose of the council’s whistleblowing policy is to “provide a means by which complaints of malpractice or wrongdoing can be raised by those who feel that other avenues for raising such issues are inappropriate, whether because they fear repercussions or for some other reason”, according to the report.  

Allegations are investigated by the council’s monitoring officer, who liaises with the whistleblower on the progress of the case.   

Referrals made through the council’s whistleblowing policy are assessed yearly by its standards committee.  

The report to be considered included allegations concerning an unnamed community event in Deptford, which are still being investigated, including misuse of public funds, victimisation of a council officer, improper use of council resources and a “failure to adhere to council procedures and a disregard for health and safety by local ward councillors”.  

In September last year, an allegation of “fraudulent practices at an educational establishment” was received, which is still being investigated.  

Another complainant alleged that placements were being made from Lewisham Hospital “without social work or financial assessments”, but an initial review found “no significant delays in the financial assessment process”.  

An audit of the service also backed this finding. 

One resident reported “improper use of a council refuse lorry”, which was referred to the senior waste manager. The lorry driver was later fired for an “unrelated incident”.  

“The senior waste manager carried out a full investigation into the complaint.  

“Subsequent to the investigation the driver of the refuse lorry was dismissed for an unrelated incident.  

“All crew members were formally spoken to by the senior waste manager and reminded of their authorised responsibilities as council operatives.  

“The complainant was written to and advised that appropriate action was taken in response to his complaint,” according to the report.  

In November 2018, an anonymous complaint was received from someone purporting to be a council employee alleging “improper activity” by senior officers. 

However, this could not be substantiated and following a request for further information, the complainant proceeded to send “threatening communications” to two senior council officers.  

“The monitoring officer requested that the complainant desist from any further threatening communications and confirmed that the matter had been referred to the police,” according to the report. 

In December 2018, someone alleged “wrongdoing” by two council officers in relation to their involvement with a charity that supports school children in the Caribbean.  

The monitoring officer advised that the allegations be reported to the charity commission but the complainant added that the charity was using the council’s logo on its website and had also made various references to the council.  

“It transpired that the previous mayor had sent a letter of introduction to the mayor of Kingston, expressing support for the charity. 

“[The monitoring officer] concluded that it was not appropriate for the charity’s website and publicity to use the council’s name and logo or any text referring to the council without prior permission.  

“It was recommended that all such references to the council on the charity’s website be removed. They were removed,” according to the report. 

Another complaint involved allegations of fraud at a charity in the borough which provides services for vulnerable people but this could not be dealt with as it was a police matter.  

“[The monitoring officer] however reassured the complainant that the council would cooperate with any police investigation and that she was available to provide any further advice should the need arise,” according to the report. 

One person complained that a council officer had honked his horn at him and “made inappropriate and rude hand gestures”, but it transpired that the driver was not driving a Lewisham vehicle. 

Councillor Amanda de Ryk, cabinet member for finance and resources, said: “Our staff, councillors, partners and contractors all play a key role in maintaining the Council’s high standard of services.

“If any of them suspect something is wrong or concerning, by reporting it we can put things right.

“The whistleblowing policy is a safe and confidential way to raise concerns and we will always thoroughly investigate every case and take decisive action when necessary.”