South Yorkshire Mayor Orders Independent Review Into Police & Crime Commissioner Finances Black Hole

[DavidFrance]

Looks like A Billing problem to me. 

[SheffieldForum]

There’s an ongoing independent investigation. These things take time.

 

We’ll not know anything until that has concluded.

[RollingJ]

14 minutes ago, SheffieldForum said:

There’s an ongoing independent investigation. These things take time.

 

We’ll not know anything until that has concluded.

I'm sure you'll let us know in five years time, when the 'interim' report becomes public. 😀

[SheffieldForum]

South Yorkshire Mayor Urges Former PCC to Apologise Over £65m Accounting Error

 

A clash between South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard and former Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Dr Alan Billings has brought renewed attention to a £65 million accounting error in South Yorkshire Police’s finances.

 

During a meeting of the police and crime panel on Monday, 9 December, Dr Billings raised concerns about the removal of his foreword from an annual report. In response, Mr Coppard defended the decision and suggested that Dr Billings might consider apologising for the financial mismanagement uncovered after his departure.

 

A Dispute Over an Annual Report

 

Dr Billings, who served as PCC for a decade, questioned why his foreword had been omitted from the report. He asked Mr Coppard to explain the decision, noting it was a departure from previous practices.

 

Mr Coppard expressed surprise at the question, stating:

 

“It’s clear to me that the former Police and Crime Commissioner seems to be struggling a little bit with the transition to his new role. I am now responsible for the functions of the Police and Crime Commissioner, and therefore it is right that I put the foreword into my own words.”

 

He suggested that Dr Billings could share his original foreword through other channels, such as social media.

 

Calls for Accountability

 

The exchange took a sharper turn when Mr Coppard referred to the £65 million accounting error discovered after he assumed responsibility for the PCC role earlier this year. He said:

 

“All I would say is, if the former Police and Crime Commissioner is going to make some public announcement, I would gently suggest that it might want to include an apology for the financial state which we found when we took over the office.”

 

The accounting error, which has left a significant hole in South Yorkshire Police’s finances, is currently under investigation.

 

Ongoing Financial Challenges

 

The incident highlights ongoing tensions as South Yorkshire Police grapples with the financial implications of the error. While the investigation continues, the exchange between Mr Coppard and Dr Billings underscores differing views on accountability and responsibility for the issue.

[RollingJ]

Good for Coppard - for once - and it demonstrates Billings's lack of ability.

[Tony]

That will mean less money for policing non crime then?

 

No money for policing non crime?

 

No policing non crime?

 

Yes?

 

🙊

[RollingJ]

A further point that has just occurred to me - what cowboy outfit did they employ as accountants - Billings two year old child?

[Tony]

52 minutes ago, RollingJ said:

A further point that has just occurred to me - what cowboy outfit did they employ as accountants - Billings two year old child?

 

It certainly is a really weird story. Failed both internal and external checks too. Three failures over years and years. Something doesn't add up but it does sound as if it's being addressed. 

[RollingJ]

33 minutes ago, Tony said:

 

It certainly is a really weird story. Failed both internal and external checks too. Three failures over years and years. Something doesn't add up but it does sound as if it's being addressed. 

Too late though - they are £millions 'in the red' with no hope of recovering it. There is something we are not being told.