Price Waterhouse Coopers probes ‘irregularities’

Published: 19 March 2010
by PETER GRUNER

A LEADING team of auditors is investigating allegations of “irregularities” involving a building firm working for Islington Council, it was revealed this week.

Accountant giants Price Waterhouse Coopers (PWC) is examining claims made against United House, the contractor responsible for a £350million private finance initiative scheme involving repairs and renovations to thousands of Islington properties.

Lib Dem council leader Councillor Terry Stacy said: “This is not the first investigation into United House. There has already been an internal inquiry, which found that allegations of irregularities were untrue. 

“These allegations are serious but in order to have this issue closed once and for all I’ve asked PWC to independently investigate.”

The investigation is expected to last several months.

Town Hall Conservative candidate Oriel Hutchinson, who raised the issue of alleged irregularities, is pleased that an investigation is being carried out.

Ms Hutchinson claims to have a list of at least two dozen tenants and leaseholders who have complained about work carried out by United House. 

Complaints include allegations of poor workmanship and having to pay for work that had not been done.