Troubled food bank is hit by fresh watchdog probe
Police confirm they are also conducting inquiry as body’s woes worsen
CHARITY regulators have launched a fresh investigation into a Glasgow food bank that was stripped of Government funding.
Greater Maryhill Food Bank is facing scrutiny by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) for the second time, following separate inquiries by the council and the Scottish Government over financial irregularities.
Police Scotland also confirmed that there is an “ongoing investigation” into the organisation.
Last week, it emerged that the Government had taken a decision to block the final instalment of a £40,000 grant to the board.
Officials said Greater Maryhill Food Bank had “failed to comply with grant conditions”.
The food bank, in partnership with Balornock East Residents’ Association, was awarded £39,656 from the Emergency Food Fund.
The money was to be used to ensure people have access to welfare rights advice through a project with Maryhill and Possilpark Citizens Advice Bureau, and to create partnerships in the North Glasgow area to provide a more co-ordinated service.
However, Maryhill and Possilpark Citizens Advice Bureau said it had not received any money for the services it provided to the project in quarter three of 2015/16.
The food bank was previously investigated by the Scottish Charity Regulator last year.
A complaint in relation to finances and a break-in was lodged in March.
Donations flooded into the organi- sation after the incident, with First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, comedian Frankie Boyle and members of the public donating thousands of pounds.
However, questions were raised over where the donations were going.
The charity regulator ruled that the actions of the charity trustees were consistent with charity legislation, but made several recommendations.
A spokeswoman from the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator gave a brief comment on the probe, saying: “I can confirm that we are currently undertak- ing an inquiry into the Greater Maryhill Food Bank. As the inquiry is ongoing, we cannot make any further comment.”
A spokeswoman for Police Scotland said: “We can confirm there is an ongoing investigation.”