WEAKNESSES, including some that are long-standing, have been found in Dorset Council's systems for awarding contracts and over-view of spending.

The authority says the problems, highlighted in an independent audit report, are already being addressed.

Some of the practices discovered go back more than five years to the days of Dorset County Council.

Lib Dem council leader Cllr Nick Ireland said: "The audit revealed a number of serious and longstanding weaknesses in our procurement and governance arrangements. These findings highlight systemic issues that have developed over time, and we take them extremely seriously.

"In response, we have developed a robust action plan and established a dedicated team to drive urgent improvements. Our focus is on strengthening governance, enhancing transparency, modernising systems and ensuring that public funds are managed with the highest standards of accountability…

"We are fully committed to learning from the past and ensuring that such failures cannot be repeated."

The issues will be highlighted at an audit committee meeting on Monday June 2nd at County Hall.

A report from the South West Audit Partnership (SWAP) looked at whether or not the council's operational processes for awarding contracts followed its Constitution, which sets out how the council operates, and the Scheme of Delegation, which outlines who can make decisions and approve spending.

The audit found several problems, including apending and contract decisions not always following the correct rules and a lack of proper checks and transparency.

In response the council has been reviewing who has the authority to approve spending and putting in place a stronger approval process for all projects, including better record keeping and clearer budgeting.

The full report to the committee can be found on the council's website: South West audit report.