Council under scrutiny for alleged serious wrongdoings

A police investigation is currently underway after a BBC programme uncovered serious wrongdoings and possible fraudulent repairs overseen by Edinburgh City Council.

The programme, which was part of the Scotland Investigates series, found many complaints concerning overcharging and poor craftsmanship of contractors suggested by the council.

In an exclusive interview with The Journal, Councillor Ewan Aitken, former leader of Edinburgh City Council, said that he suspects that many involved were lining their own pockets from as far back as 2005.

Since appearing on 'Scotland’s Property Scandal' last month, Mr Aitken described how he has received a "huge response" from Edinburgh residents, receiving 40 complaints from his constituency alone.

A common complaint amongst Edinburgh residents was that costs significantly increased as a result of work continuing longer than was initially agreed.

BBC programme found numerous repairs across the city were unnecessary, with many buildings even made worse.

A private investigation is currently being carried out by consultancy firm Deloitte, and the council’s statutory repair system is now under tight scrutiny.

The current statutory notice system allows the council to intervene and organise repair work when the owners of private properties are unable to reach an agreement.

Speaking to The Journal, Cllr Aitken described the old statutory repair system where statutory notices were only issued for building repair work which was considered an emergency.

Following the death of waitress Christine Foster due to falling masonry at Ryan’s Bar 11 years ago, the system was revised to allow councillors to step in to ensure work was carried out.

Edinburgh is also the only city to have enforced this measure which Mr Aitken stressed is "a good system", however he believes "a small number of individuals have seen this as an opportunity to abuse."

Last week, angry Edinburgh residents met to discuss their experiences and demand what the council should do to resolve the issue. The council have since refused to comment on the issue while the investigation is taking place.

Tenants from Piershill described how their initial repair work estimate of £130,000 ballooned to a total of £500,000 after completion.

Under the statutory notice system, engineer James McClean and his neighbours were told chimney repairs to their Comely Bank residence would amount to £10,400 per flat. The final bill had increased to over £19,400.

"The initial bill was 10,000 per flat and I thought that was fair enough. But when the workmen arrived they seemed to have knowledge that all the chimneys were coming down. That set alarm bells ringing and I asked the other owners if they were prepared to bring in independent engineers. Because I live there I knew the council wouldn't take my word for it."

Mr McLean said that he feared others would also face unnecessary work being scheduled without the ability to challenge it.

Lothian and Borders Police are currently investigating allegations that a council official even went on holidays paid for by contractors.

In March this year five members of the city council were suspended as a precaution following the result of a similar suspected housing fraud investigation.
Last week, this figure had risen to a total of eighteen people since the claims were made almost a year ago.

The workers from the Property Conservation Department were responsible for overseeing projects and hiring out contractors.

It also emerged earlier this month that £1.3 million pounds was missing from the department’s books.

The investigation continues and a progress report is set to be issued to the council by the end of this month.