AN "exhaustive and thorough" inquiry has found no evidence of fraud within Harrow Council's construction partner, Kier.
Last summer, at least two sub-contractors approached the council to allege that other firms were inflating invoices to ween more taxpayers' cash from the council or offering backhanders to turn a blind eye.
The Observer broke the story in October that the council was indeed investigating complaints of corruption within the contract, under which thousands of social homes are repaired or upgraded.
Today's publication of the result of the probe comes around three months later than originally promised.
Councillor Tony Ferrari (Conservative), portfolio holder for major contracts and property, said: “Harrow Council is satisfied that a thorough investigation has concluded that all allegations of corruption within Kier proved unfounded.
“The matter was treated as serious from the start and involved an investigation launched at the highest level.
“Following an exhaustive and thorough inquiry the matter can now be put behind us as we focus on building new schools. Kier have delivered a number of excellent school buildings which would have proved impossible without their partnership.”
Ian Lawson, director of Kier Group plc, said: "Kier takes any allegations of this nature extremely seriously and we have therefore ensured that an exhaustive and professional investigation has been undertaken jointly with our client.
"We are pleased that any allegations against Kier or its employees have proved unfounded and can now draw a line under the matter and continue to concentrate on providing the best possible service to Harrow Council."
