Written question asked by Andrew Griffiths (Conservative) on Wednesday, 15 June 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 17 June 2011. It was answered by Robert Neill (Conservative) on Wednesday, 22 June 2011 on behalf of the Audit Commission.

Accommodation: Public Finance

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government for what reason the Chief Executive of the Audit Commission was provided hotel accommodation at the City Inn, Westminster paid for from the public purse.

Answer: This is an operational matter for the Audit Commission and I have asked the chief executive of the Audit Commission to respond to my hon. Friend direct.Letter from Eugene Sullivan, dated 22 June 2011:"Your parliamentary question has been passed to me for reply.""I joined the Commission in June 2008 as Managing Director for Corporate Services, based in Yorkshire. My contract included provision for overnight stays in London and, where necessary, Bristol, reimbursed by the Commission at its usual rate for overnight stays.""When the Board asked me to become Interim Chief Executive and Controller of Audit on 1 April 2010, following Steve Bundred's departure, I agreed to spend two or three nights each week in London. The Commission continues to pay for these overnight stays in accordance with my contract. The rate negotiated with the City Inn is consistent with the Commission's expenses policy for overnight stays in London.""In June 2010 the Board decided to suspend the appointment process for a new Chief Executive and continue with the interim arrangements. There has been no change to this policy since the government's announcement in August 2010 of its plans to disband the Commission. The Commission has not recruited a replacement to the former post of MD Corporate Services and has therefore saved the costs associated with that post."

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 61043; 530 c287W
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Audit Commission: Hotels
Monday, 28 November 2011
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Audit Commission Housing Hotels Public finance
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk