Steve Austin-Vautier

POLICE spending on the historical abuse inquiry has exposed ‘serious weaknesses’ in Home Affairs’ accounting arrangements, according to its chief officer.

Steven Austin-Vautier has for the first time revealed that the major inquiry, which has cost the Island millions of pounds, put the arrangements under severe strain.

Last year the States agreed funding of £7.5 million for the investigation and the Treasury department gave an extra £5.9 million to Home Affairs for Haut de la Garenne.

This week the Public Accounts Committee wanted to know who was responsible for the £5.9 million overspend.

In the past Mr Austin Vautier – who is also the accounting officer legally responsible for the department’s expenditure – suggested that police spending may have run out of control and said that he could not justify some of the money spent. The money included £2.6 million for extra staff costs and £1 million to cover travel, accommodation and other expenses.

Speaking at a Scrutiny hearing this week Mr Austin-Vautier explained how the Home Affairs budget was managed.