THE Department for Education has not been sent an audit which delves into the finances of Hereford’s new university despite concerns from auditors, a freedom of information request has revealed.

In July, local Nichola Geeson asked Herefordshire Council’s audit and governance committee if taxpayers would have to refund the money paid by the DfE after internal auditors raised concerns over New Model in Technology and Engineering’s draw down of funding.

The council said there was no such risk as they were not guarantors but they did raise concerns over how NMiTE recorded money spent on consultants.

The council acts as the accountable body in respect of the funds the university receives from the DfE.

“Being the accountable body includes reporting to the DfE of any concerns that they should be aware of,” an officer said.

“South West Audit Partnership have found no concerns in respect of the defrayment of the majority of the DfE’s grant to NMiTE.

“There are a number of issues that it is has been deemed appropriate to bring to the attention of the DfE that are detailed in the report to the DfE.”

Council auditors were also concerned over the lack of detailed evidence to support the milestones and conditions required for capital and revenue grant funding during 2017/18.

They said there was a lack of continuity in financial reporting over the last year.

The Hereford Times asked the DfE under freedom of information legislation if they could reveal what concerns were highlighted.

But, a DfE information officer said they were not sent a copy of the NMiTE audit.

“Following a search of the Department’s paper and electronic records, I have established that the Department was not sent a copy of the audit and the Department does not hold any information on this audit and as result we cannot provide you with information beyond that which is already public,” he said.