MORE than £116,000 has been spent on investigations into Waltham Forest council's mismanagement of millions of pounds.

The inquiries, which centred around the misuse of regeneration funds since 2004, found contracts were poorly administered and monitored.

Figures released by the council show two reviews by CSK Strategies cost the taxpayer more than £50,000.

One review looked into an allegation that schools management company EduAction used thousands of pounds it was paid to help vulnerable pupils to boost profits.

A subsequent police investigation found insufficient evidence to mount a prosecution.

The second review examined the contracts issued under the Better Neighbourhoods Initiative (BNI) from 2006-8, which remain under investigation by independent auditors.

More than £34,000 was also spent on an audit of BNI contracts, carried out by Pricewaterhouse Coopers, and as of May 15, almost £32,000 had been spent on “further internal investigation”.

The council's Corporate Audit and Anti-Fraud Team (CAAFT) also carried out inquiries into the YAR contract with EduAction for 2004/6 and a 2006 contract with Dr Foster Intelligence (DFI).

DFI delivered a flawed report after being contracted without rules to prevent fraud being followed.

The total cost of the probes to date stands at £116,273.11.

Chief executive Andrew Kilburn has ordered the scope of the ongoing investigations to be broadened in order to maintain the authority’s integrity.

A council contract with consultants Renaisi, which was tendered without following anti-fraud rules, is now being investigated.

A senior officer, who has been classed as a whistleblower, has been suspended as part of this inquiry.

Nick Tiratsoo, whose investigations unearthed many of the problems with BNI contracts, said: "I think this whole situation is lamentable and reflects very badly on those involved.

"Finally admitting that there was a problem after years of prevarication and denial, the council then rushed into employing consultants to report on the mess, at great expense, but little purpose.

"The fact that the incoming chief executive now believes it necessary to have yet another inquiry speaks for itself.

"Those living in Waltham Forest's poorest wards have not only seen millions of pounds of Government regeneration money wasted, they are now having to pay through the nose to find out what went wrong.

"In my view, heads should roll."