STAFF credit cards and their use will be reviewed by Basildon Council.

The authority’s internal audit department has reviewed all areas of the council where there is potential for fraud.

It found improvements are needed to the management of the officer credit card system.

About £70,000 was spent across 41 staff credit cards between April and August.

The type of spending includes conferences and training course fees, emergency items for Towngate Theatre and council events, staff awards and emergency planning.

Until now, staff have not had to confirm the nature of the expenditure, according to the report, which goes before the audit and risk committee, which meets at the Basildon Centre on Wednesday.

It said: “A number of administrative improvements are required to strengthen the overall management of this area.

“Specifically, that new cards are subject to a formal business case and the continued need for cards is challenged where cards are not being used. In addition to providing receipts and certified statements, cardholders should be required to confirm the nature/purpose of expenditure.”

The council is also considering centrally booking overnight accommodation and some travel tickets, in a bid to reduce the amount being claimed through members’ expenses.

The report found that councillors are only claiming for costs incurred during their duties as required, but that savings could possibly be made.

It said auditors found the controls for reviewing and approving claims before councillors were reimbursed needs to be improved.

The report added: “The review further proposed that consideration be given to centralising the booking of travel and accommodation for members in order to reduce costs.”