Met drops probe into allegations of fraud at Croydon council

The Met have dropped their investigation into allegations of fraud and financial mismanagement at Croydon council.

An investigation was launched into the previous leadership’s handling of finances after the South London council declared bankruptcy in 2020.

A spokesman from the Met said: “The nature of the alleged offences were complex and required careful consideration.

“After a thorough and detailed assessment, a decision was made not to take the matter further.

“The case will be re-opened should further investigative opportunities become available.”

Croydon council issued a Section 114 notice – which halts all new expenditure – in 2020 over a £1.5billion debt and significant overspends.

The Penn Report and the Kroll Report were both commissioned to investigate the circumstances leading to its financial collapse.

The Penn Report focused on the culture and senior leadership of the organisation, while the Kroll Report was a forensic investigation specifically into the refurbishment of Fairfield Halls music venue.

Both identified significant failings that contributed to the financial crisis.

Pictured top: Bernard Weatherill House, Croydon council offices in Fell Road (Picture: Tara O’Connor)