UK's Audit Commission may face probe for squandering money

In the UK, officials at the public spending watchdog could be forced to return the money they squandered on top restaurants and gym equipment after ministers launched an inquiry.

According to The Daily Telegraph, executives at the Audit Commission, which oversees spending at local authorities, NHS trusts and other government bodies, had put luxury goods and services on their taxpayer-funded credit cards.

Ministers are now in the process of launching a formal inquiry into the questionable spending, which came to light with the soon-to-be-abolished Commission becoming the first public body to disclose details of spending on the cards.

Besides meals costing several hundred pounds at Michelin-starred restaurants, the officials splurged on flowers and also bought goods from HMV and Thorntons, the cinema chain and chocolatier. They also purchased cinema tickets and doughnuts.

According to a government source, the government would be looking at this situation very closely. It appeared to warrant an inquiry, sources added.

The Audit Commission, with a 2,000-strong workforce, is due to close amid claims by the government that it provides taxpayers little value for money.