logo
Audit finds weaknesses in Dumfries and Galloway bus cash controls

Audit finds weaknesses in Dumfries and Galloway bus cash controls

BBC News10-06-2025
An audit of cash handling on council bus services in south west Scotland has flagged up a string of concerns.It found there was a "significant risk of loss or undetected error" in half of the eight objectives it looked at in Dumfries and Galloway.The local authority runs 18 bus routes across the region - one out of Stranraer, six out of Castle Douglas and 11 out of Dumfries.A report said five action points highlighted by the audit - including banking bus service income at least once a week - had now been implemented.
The internal audit by Dumfries and Galloway Council aimed to confirm that cash income from the routes was being accounted for and banked in accordance with financial regulations.It also sought assurances that cash was being held securely and banked promptly.However, it discovered weaknesses in controls over the income and found that cash from two depots - Abercromby in Castle Douglas and Cargen Towers in Dumfries - had not been banked for several months.Among the other concerns it highlighted were:No weekly check to ensure cash was being handed inNo fares being charged on one route in Stranraer as the driver did not have a licence to do soNo written records of cash being passed from one staff member to anotherIt recommended five different action points in order to tackle the issues uncovered.They included cash being held securely and under the responsibility of a single council officer.The report said all the measures highlighted had now been put in place.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Safestyle windows review: best installer for recycling
Safestyle windows review: best installer for recycling

The Independent

time2 hours ago

  • The Independent

Safestyle windows review: best installer for recycling

Choosing the right windows and double glazing installer can make a significant difference to your home, not only improving insulation and reducing energy bills but also enhancing the overall aesthetic. In our comprehensive Safestyle windows review, we'll explore whether this popular national brand is the right choice for your home. With numerous providers on the market, ranging from smaller local fitters to larger national brands, comparing options can help you get the best double glazing companies for your needs. Consider gathering multiple quotes to better understand the cost of double glazing and typical UK window prices. Our Safestyle windows review assesses key factors including price, guarantee options, coverage, and overall quality. Why choose Safestyle? Area covered: England, Scotland and Wales Founded: 2024 Guarantee: 10 years Best for: National coverage and recycling Safestyle became well-known in North West England due to its quirky TV adverts featuring medieval-clad presenter Jeff Brown promoting buy-one-get-one-free deals, and later, former England goalkeeper David Seaman. However, Safestyle collapsed into administration in 2023 due to rising costs and weakened market demand. The company was bought by rival Anglian Home Improvements, but Safestyle's collapse left some customers with worthless guarantees. It now operates under new ownership but with a similar — though more limited — service range, and Safestyle's offerings place it slightly below Anglian in our list of best double glazing companies. Under Anglian's management, Safestyle continues to offer comprehensive services with a 10-year guarantee and extensive national coverage. One key selling point is its robust recycling policy, whereby your old windows are responsibly removed and recycled. We should note that Safestyle exclusively offers windows made from uPVC, a low-maintenance and durable material, so customers seeking wooden frames for conservation compliance or aesthetic preference will need to look elsewhere. Nonetheless, Safestyle offers an extensive range of uPVC window styles, including sash windows, bay, and triple-glazed options. Like Anglian Home Improvements, Safestyle promises to match competitor quotes and quotes remain valid for six months. Make sure you haggle, and that goes for any supplier on our list. Interestingly, Safestyle discounts are sometimes seen at the 15 per cent mark, rather than the 30 per cent others offer, but there's usually scope to negotiate better deals. As with its owner, Anglian, you can also finance your double glazing through Safestyle, but at a relatively high 12.9% APR, identical to Anglian's offer. Given that most personal loans can offer significantly better interest rates, exploring external finance or using savings could be more financially prudent. Other fitters on this list offer interest-free credit or other favourable payment terms. Pros: Robust recycling policy Extensive uPVC style selection Cons: uPVC frames only Mixed customer reviews Recent financial instability What to look for in a quote According to our research, fitting double glazing for the average three-bed house should cost about £4,500, depending on location and window sizes. Since double glazing isn't an urgent purchase for most homeowners unless windows are broken, there's significant room to negotiate. Buyers often manage to reduce initial quotes significantly, sometimes by as much as half, particularly with larger providers. This may seem unlikely, but it's true. That's because many firms rely on Britons' general discomfort over asking for discounts to make expensive initial offers. They also rely on their competitors doing the same. Haggling gives you the upper hand and also allows some time to research the best price and options. Smaller outfits that feel they need to be more competitive may not be able to drop by as much – use your judgement. As well as this Safestyle review, personal recommendations from trusted friends or family can offer valuable insight into choosing the best double glazing companies. How we made this guide We spoke to customers and fitters across the UK, as well as insiders in the double glazing market to find you the average prices for windows of all styles. They gave us tips on how to negotiate and save money and they told us never to say yes to the first quote you are offered. Why trust us? The Independent has been reporting on green energy and climate matters since it was founded in 1986. Since then, we have written hundreds of reviews and news stories on energy, including the best window fitters, the best window finance and other guides on green power. FAQs Should I get double or triple glazing? While double glazing is the usual choice for a home outside of a heavily restricted planning area, triple glazing could be a good option for some buyers, especially those in windy locations or those on busy, noisy roads. Expect to pay 15-30 percent more than for double glazing. These windows are heavier and available in fewer styles. Finding triple glazed windows in timber and aluminium is difficult. What is the average cost for double glazing? The average cost of a new set of eight uPVC windows for an average three-bedroom home in the UK is currently about £4,500, according to research by The Independent. The price you will pay for a new set of double glazing depends heavily on the style, materials, colours and glazing type of your windows, together with how many you need and where you are in the country. Most buyers opt for white uPVC, which is a type of plastic. It does not rust or rot, an advantage over wood, and it is cheaper than aluminium, the other popular low-maintenance material. It also doesn't bend like aluminium can. Pros:

Fintech Scotland sets out operational resiliance challenge
Fintech Scotland sets out operational resiliance challenge

Finextra

time5 hours ago

  • Finextra

Fintech Scotland sets out operational resiliance challenge

Operational Resilience UK is the focus of a new fintech innovation challenge uniting major financial institutions, regulators, and academia. 0 The initiative's goal is to jointly develop solutions that are ready for the future and strengthen the UK financial system against operational and digital threats. A coalition of leading financial institutions including Sword Group, Natwest, Morgan Stanley, Dudley Building Society, The Tipton, Unity Trust Bank, M&G, Pinsent Masons, Tesco Bank, Aberdeen and KPMG have joined forces to launch a UK-wide innovation challenge focused on strengthening operational resilience across the financial sector. Delivered in partnership with FinTech Scotland through the Financial Regulation Innovation Lab (FRIL), and collaborating with SuperTech WM to help expand the reach and impact across the UK, this initiative calls on fintech innovators to co-create next-generation solutions that can safeguard the financial system in an increasingly digital world. Operational resilience is a top priority for the UK's regulators, including the FCA, Bank of England and HM Treasury, as the sector adapts to growing digital disruption, complex supply chains, and rising consumer expectations. This challenge reflects a shared commitment from industry to proactively address these risks through collaboration and innovation. This Operational Resilience UK initiative demonstrates a growing dedication to using cooperative fintech development to adapt to complex digital ecosystems. In the face of escalating demand for seamless digital services, the challenge is designed to source practical, scalable solutions that can help firms stay resilient, responsive, and secure. It will offer selected fintechs the opportunity to work directly with financial institutions, gain valuable insights into real-world resilience challenges, and receive expert input from leading academics from the University of Strathclyde and the University of Glasgow. Successful applicants may also be eligible for up to £50,000 in grant funding to accelerate the development of their solution. The programme will culminate in a showcase event in Glasgow, where participants will present to industry and regulatory stakeholders. FinTech firms from across the globe are encouraged to apply before the deadline on August 15th. More details can be found here. Nicola Anderson, CEO of FinTech Scotland: 'This challenge is a powerful example of how collaboration can drive meaningful change. By bringing together fintech innovators, academic insight, and industry expertise, we're not only responding to the increasing demands of the digital economy, we're actively shaping a more resilient and adaptive financial system for the future.' Rob Mossop, COO Financial Services and International, Sword 'As a trusted technology partner, we recognise that operational resilience is moving beyond meeting regulatory requirements. It has become a business imperative with clear impact on business growth. We understand the critical role that trusted and adaptable solutions play in helping financial institutions respond to disruption and build competitive advantage. We are excited to see how this challenge brings together the best of industry, academia, and innovation to utilise technologies that don't just withstand disruption but enable agility and enhance trust in the face of it' Hilary Smyth-Allen, CEO SuperTech 'Our longstanding partnership with FinTech Scotland, to expand the reach of the Financial Regulation Innovation Lab, has delivered fantastic impact in previous programmes for both the fintech innovators and financial services participants. We look forward to seeing the collaborative opportunities arising from this open innovation challenge focusing on operational resilience.' Nicole Alston, Innovation Engagement Manager, NatWest 'Natwest Group are proud to support this challenge, which represents a fantastic opportunity to work hand-in-hand with fintech innovators to shape the next generation of operational resilience. By combining industry insight with fresh thinking, we can build smarter, more adaptive systems that protect customers and maintain trust' Luke Scanlon, Pinsent Masons 'Strengthening operational resilience isn't just a regulatory expectation, it's a shared responsibility across the financial ecosystem. This challenge is a compelling example of how partnerships between fintechs and industry, can drive innovation that's both agile and aligned with evolving regulatory frameworks. It's a chance to build practical solutions that work in the real world' Samuel Kennedy, Head of Operational Risk, Dudley Building Society 'For building societies, operational resilience is fundamental to maintaining the trust of our members and communities. This challenge is a chance to work alongside fintechs to explore innovative solutions that protect continuity of service, while ensuring we remain agile and responsive in a changing digital landscape.' Will Lynch, Group Deputy COO, Aberdeen 'Aberdeen's involvement in FRIL has shown the power of collaboration in tackling complex regulatory and operational challenges. We are looking forward to contributing the next phase of FRIL in an increasingly important part of the regulatory landscape.' David Owen, Head of Business Risk at Unity Trust Bank: 'Operational resilience isn't just about meeting regulatory compliance; it is about reinforcing our customers' confidence that we can withstand disruptions and continue to serve them effectively. At Unity Trust Bank, resilience is fundamental to our double-bottom-line approach: it supports sustainable business growth while deepening the trust that our socially minded customers place in us. By collaborating with fintech innovators, industry partners, and thought leaders, we are developing smarter, more adaptive systems that not only ensure continuity but also strengthen the core principles of ethical banking. The Financial Regulation Innovation Lab is part of the larger Glasgow City Region Innovation Accelerator programme. Led by Innovate UK on behalf of UK Research and Innovation, the pilot Innovation Accelerators programme invested £100m in 26 transformative R&D projects between 2022-25 to accelerate the growth of three high-potential innovation ecosystems - Glasgow City Region, Greater Manchester and West Midlands. The programme was boosted by an additional £30m of public funding for 2025/26 spread equally across the regions. Innovation Accelerators is piloting a new model of R&D decision making that empowers local partnerships to harness innovation to drive regional economic growth, attract private investment, and develop future technologies. By launching this nationwide initiative, Operational Resilience UK takes a leap forward in supporting secure, adaptive, and innovative financial services.

Poundland reveals full list of 25 stores shutting doors for good as part of mass restructuring – is your local shutting?
Poundland reveals full list of 25 stores shutting doors for good as part of mass restructuring – is your local shutting?

The Sun

time6 hours ago

  • The Sun

Poundland reveals full list of 25 stores shutting doors for good as part of mass restructuring – is your local shutting?

POUNDLAND has confirmed a list of 25 stores that will close as part of a major restructuring effort. The bargain chain said it will shutter the host of stores in August. 1 Ten stores will shut on August 10 while 15 will close their doors for good on August 17. Branches are shutting across the UK, including in Wales, England and Scotland. It comes after a restructuring plan was launched in June to close 68 Poundland stores.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store