THE Office of the Contractor General (OCG) says it will be undertaking a comprehensive audit of the procurement records of all parish councils, with specific focus upon the "use of the forced account contracting methodology to complete works contracts".

The decision to conduct the audit comes on the heels of allegations by the Opposition People's National Party that disbursements were being made in divisions where by-elections are expected to be held. The PNP had also asked the OCG to conduct an investigation into the matter.

The OCG, in a statement yesterday, said it has already written to Major Richard Reese, director general of the Department of Local Government, advising of its intention to carry out the audit. The letter has been copied to the permanent secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister which has responsibility for local government.

The OCG said it has already received sworn statements regarding allegations and evidence of irregular procurement practices at some parish councils. It said, too, that formal referrals regarding allegations of fraudulent and corrupt practices at one parish council were made by the OCG to the Police High Command and to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.

In the meantime, the OCG has requested comprehensive particulars regarding 2010 works projects as well as current projects being undertaken by all parish councils, which it said will be used as a preparatory step to the conduct of the OCG audits.

"In any instance in which serious acts of irregularity or impropriety are identified in the procurement practices of any parish council, the appropriate steps will be taken by the OCG to ensure that the offending party or parties are brought to book," the OCG said in a statement yesterday.