A COUNCIL has conducted an internal audit of its procurement procedures following concerns over a DUP councillor's involvement in awarding contracts to her son's business.
But Antrim and Newtownabbey council is refusing to release the report because councillor Linda Clarke is being investigated by a conduct watchdog.
Mrs Clarke was involved in awarding more than £4,500 in council contracts to a printing firm run by her son from the family home, The Irish News revealed in September.
AC Print received funding over several years to create virtual graphics for vacant buildings in Randalstown as well as to print Christmas flyers.
Mrs Clarke did not declare an interest or absent herself from meetings when funding was awarded.
In some cases, she was the only councillor present at meetings when the payments were agreed.
Under the code of conduct, councillors must withdraw from discussions where they have a "pecuniary interest, direct or indirect".
The issue is being investigated by the Local Government Commissioner for Standards.
It has since emerged that the council has carried out an internal audit in the wake of the controversy.
This was confirmed by the Northern Ireland Audit Office when it was asked why the issue had not been mentioned in its most recent audit of the local authority.
It said the Local Government Auditor is aware that the council's "internal audit team has been examining the council's compliance with its procurement procedures in relation to the award of contracts".
"We will consider the implications of all the above for the council's audit in 2019-20," a spokesman added.
In a statement a council spokeswoman confirmed the internal audit had been conducted, but declined to release the findings.
"As confirmed by the Northern Ireland Audit Office, the council's internal audit team reviewed compliance with procurement procedures in relation to the awarding of contracts," she said.
"This was an internal management report which will be considered by the Northern Ireland Audit Office as part of the annual audit of the 2019-20 financial statements.
"Any issues relating to councillors participating in procurement exercises are a matter for the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Standards. As the matter may relate to an investigation by the commissioner, the council is unable to provide you with any further information."
The council funding was among several controversies revealed last year surrounding Mrs Clarke and her DUP MLA husband Trevor Clarke.
Mrs Clarke is also being investigated by the council standards watchdog after it emerged she participated in council votes for planning applications Mr Clarke lobbied on in 2017 during a period when he was not an MLA.
In July, an Irish News investigation revealed the Clarkes' sideline planning consultancy business. Mr Clarke has rejected concerns that Versatile Consultancy breaches assembly rules which prohibit paid advocacy.
A planning enforcement probe is also being conducted over a triple garage built at their home.
The couple have insisted they "made all the relevant declarations and adhered to all rules".
