A FOODBANK which has had its funding axed and is under investigation by the police over financial irregularities was awarded a contract worth tens of thousands of pounds by ministers just weeks ago.
Greater Maryhill Foodbank took control of the running of a publicly-funded £40,000 emergency food fund in September after reaching an agreement with the Scottish Government.
The Government, which has had a long association with the organisation, insisted it was monitoring the funding "to ensure grant agreements and conditions are met".
It also said it would "carefully consider" any new information provided on the organisation.
Glasgow City Council said on Friday that no further grant awards would be made to Greater Maryhill Foodbank following a whistleblowing complaint and an investigation.
It follows repeated requests for information to founder Julie Webster about accounts which the council said had not been provided.
The investigation centres on nearly £3000 the foodbank was given by the local authority for improvements including a new security system, while Ms Webster later posted on social stated she had been given a free alarm.
She was asked by the council to provide receipts detailing how the money was spent but has failed to do so, despite repeated requests.
In a leaked email, the city council's head of audit said: "Given the foodbank receives grant from the Scottish Government, and is a registered charity, I also plan to share these concerns with the Scottish Government and (charities regulator) OSCR."
A Scottish Government spokesman said: “We have not been notified of any concerns over Maryhill Foodbank but will carefully consider any information provided and respond in due course.”
In summer 2014 First Minister Nicola Sturgeon launched a funding programme of £518,000 for 26 food banks at Maryhill, whose founder is the daughter of shipyards trade union stalwart Jamie Webster.
After money collected to help a girl injured in a hit-and-run incident was stolen, the Scottish Government, along with comedian Frankie Boyle, gave the foodbank £5000.
An investigation by regulators found the use of the cash was “consistent with the general duties that they are subject to” but made a number of recommendations.
Then in September it took full control of the emergency food fund, which also ensures people have access to welfare rights advice. In September 2015 funding was transferred solely to Maryhill foodbank, on the agreement of all parties involved.
In his email to staff, the council's audit chief Duncan Black said: "Following a whistleblowing complaint, Internal Audit has been investigating an allegation of mismanagement at the Greater Maryhill Foodbank.
"Staff at the foodbank have not provided my team with the information, documentation and explanations we have sought. Therefore I would recommend that the council (including the charities and funds the council helps to administer) does not make any further payments to the foodbank."
In a statement on its website, Ms Webster said: "We as an organisation completely refute these allegations and are appalled that we have found out via a tabloid newspaper that an investigation was being carried out by GCC.
"I would like to give full assurance to all who support us that GMF is transparent in every way and we believe this is a smear campaign against us by a small number of individuals.
"We will as an organisation be issuing on social media a full statement in due course and will be seeking legal advice."
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