William Eichler 29 July 2025

Council officers sacked after ‘illegal activity’ uncovered

Council officers sacked after ‘illegal activity’ uncovered image
The main entrance and gardens of County Hall, offices of Dorset Council in Dorchester. © Joe Dunckley / Shutterstock.com.

Dorset Council fired 11 council officers due to concerns over a lack of compliance with financial controls and rising budget overspends, a report has revealed.

The staff members were brought in to sort out health and safety issues in council buildings in 2022 but were let go in September last year.

The initial budget for the health and safety project was £4m but costs rose to £13m over two years without cabinet approval, a funding strategy, or a documented business case.

An independent investigation found evidence of ‘illegal activity or fraud’ and ‘potential obfuscation and dishonesty by council officers.’

Cllr Nick Ireland, leader of Dorset Council, said that since the issue was initially discovered the council has put in place a ‘robust action plan’ to deliver improvements.

Interim chief executive Sam Crowe added: ‘As the council's leadership team, we take full responsibility for addressing what went wrong and ensuring it cannot happen again.’

A spokesperson for Dorset Police said: 'We are in communication with Dorset Council to explore any investigative opportunities.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Public Health Practitioner

Durham County Council
Grade 12 - £44,075 - £48,226
WHAT IS INVOLVED? We are looking for a candidate who is passionate about public health, has experience of delivering or commissioning public health s Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Home Care and Support Worker 18.5hrs

Durham County Council
£12,791 - £13,412 p.a. (hourly rate of £13.26 rising to £13.90) -part-time Grade 4
If you have elderly friends and relatives, you will understand the value they place on independence. This role will give you the opportunity to work Seaham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Team Manager

Durham County Council
£50,269 to £54,495 p.a. (Grade 14)
This is an exiting opportunity to join a newly established team within Durham supporting young people in care preparing them for independence. The N Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Learning and Development Support Officer

Durham County Council
£26,403 to £28,598 pro rata p.a. (Grade 5)
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated and experienced Learning and Development Support Officer to join a small team within our award winn Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner