COUNCIL bosses have investigated allegations of corruption, theft and fraud within their own staff in recent months, a report has revealed.

Concerns have also been raised about fire alarms in Clydebank schools and bullying by staff.

There was also a probe into the theft of cash from a West Dunbartonshire school and of an allegation against a teacher.

But a number of other allegations were classed as “unfounded” by auditors.

In a report to the March 21 audit committee of West Dunbartonshire Council, they revealed the inquiries in the name of public interest, to demonstrate transparency at the authority.

Specific details that might identify staff have been stripped out with only the shortest of descriptions of sometimes serious charges.

In October, there was an allegation that a council employee was working in a private property during business hours. Officers investigated and concluded it was true. “Management have addressed this matter,” said the report by Stephen West.

Two further investigations are still underway. One alleges “corruption and bullying” by the council’s “direct labour organisation” who undertake housing repairs and other work.

Another is ongoing into concerns about fire alarms in West Dunbartonshire primary schools.

But four other investigations proved to go nowhere.

An allegation that a “false reference was provided and proper recruitment procedure not followed” was looked into but concluded it was unfounded.

An allegation of theft of council fuel also proved unfounded, as did the suggested misuse of a council vehicle.

A further allegation of fraud was dismissed after investigating whether work was allocated to local firms and there was an over-ordering of stock for personal use within the maintenance and repairs department.

Details were disclosed about only one case investigated in the first six months of 2017, 10 in total in 2016, and 15 in 2015.

In December, we reported on the report of a significant overspend at a property being converted to homeless accommodation.

On the investigation of theft of cash from a school, the committee paper states: “Investigation work completed and report issued. Management provided with actions to address.”

Of five other cases received by internal audit between July and December 2017, one included an “allegation relating to a WDC school teacher”. After investigation, it was found to be true and “management have addressed this matter”.

There was a cash discrepancy at a library and cash handling procedures were “updated to improve processes”.

And a claim that council vehicles were being misused was also “founded” and management addressed it.

Internal audit investigations are not classed as “public interest disclosures” under legislation or council policy.

But the report states: “In order to demonstrate openness and transparency, the regular six-monthly report has now been amended to include information on all internal audit investigations, whether from employees (and deemed to be a protected disclosure) or from other sources.”