A flagship project launched by the Prime Minister is under investigation for allegedly misusing funds from taxpayers' money and charity pots to to pay off its directors and settle debts. The beleaguered Big Society Network, which David Cameron launched with huge fanfare in 2010, has already been criticised for its dud projects, which were allegedly only approved because officials were pressured to change the rules. And now the Charity Commission has launched its own probe into payments for 'consultancy' to a Tory donor and allegations huge payouts meant for doing good in the community were siphoned off to pay off creditors.
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Big Society Network is under investigation by Charity Commission
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Had already been criticised for expensive projects which didn't meet aims
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Earlier report alleged projects only funded because of political pressure
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Labour has called for inquiry into allegations over 'pet projects'
Big Society Network
Big Society Network
The grant was also allowed to be transferred to a new company set up by the @placeholder chairman and another director, without checking it had the IT skills to make the scheme work, the NAO said.
Big Society Network
Big Society Network
'That is what happened with the grants to the @placeholder.