I wrote to SFO to Thank you for your email however they appeared to have steered me to unworking government and police systems that are compromised with budgetary concerns as the Special Fraud investigations team I expect you to investigate and provide under this reference a report I can provide to Local Government Ombudsman and EHCR in Strasburg court. As a result, this communication was sent out today

Serious Fraud Office
2-4 Cockspur Street
London, SW1Y 5BS

Subject: Financial Mismanagement and Potential Fraud: Public Funds Misallocated to Ireland

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to raise serious concerns about the misallocation of public funds by East Sussex County Council (ESCC), particularly in connection with care services and vulnerable individuals, including my daughter, Emily. I believe that significant sums of taxpayer money are being improperly diverted to Ireland, where ESCC lacks oversight or jurisdiction, thereby failing their statutory obligations.

Emily’s Case

My daughter Emily’s situation exemplifies the systemic failures within ESCC. Despite their statutory responsibilities, ESCC has failed to properly oversee her welfare, including the expenditure of public funds ostensibly allocated for her care. I have received no satisfactory responses to inquiries about Emily’s current status, location, or the services she is receiving.

This lack of accountability is compounded by their admission that they continue to fund placements without knowledge of the individuals’ whereabouts or circumstances. Such neglect has placed Emily’s well-being at risk while raising serious questions about financial governance and oversight.

Financial Context

ESCC is facing a budgetary crisis, with deficits projected to grow from £55.3 million in 2025/26 to £83.6 million by 2027/28. Despite these pressures, the council continues to allocate funds to care arrangements outside the UK, with Ireland being a key recipient.

Moreover, the recent Autumn Budget by Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves, which increased employer National Insurance Contributions (NICs), has further exacerbated financial strains. This measure disproportionately affects councils like ESCC, significantly increasing the cost of care provisions.

Key Concerns

1. Failure to Uphold Statutory Duties:
   ESCC has consistently failed to fulfill its legal obligations to Emily and others in care. They have delayed or refused responses to essential information requests, citing complexities such as large volumes of data involving multiple subjects (Information Request Ref: 19567481).
2. Unmonitored Fund Transfers to Ireland:
   Public funds intended for care services are being diverted to Ireland, with ESCC admitting they have no jurisdiction or oversight over these arrangements.
3. Governance Failures:
   ESCC’s leadership has demonstrated a pattern of poor governance. Notably, former Director Matthew Dunkley’s tenure has been linked to allegations of financial mismanagement and improper conduct during his prior roles, as documented by the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) in Victoria, Australia.
4. Increased Financial Risk:
   Rising care costs driven by NIC increases and ESCC’s inability to monitor these expenses place both vulnerable children, including Emily, and public finances in jeopardy.
5. Systemic Neglect of Vulnerable Individuals:
   Emily’s case highlights broader systemic issues, where children and adults in care are effectively abandoned by the system. This neglect extends to financial oversight, with public funds used in ways that cannot be accounted for or justified.

Request for Investigation

I urge the Serious Fraud Office to investigate these matters thoroughly. Specifically:

• Examine the financial mismanagement within ESCC and the misallocation of public funds to Ireland.
• Investigate governance failures that have allowed Emily’s case, and others like it, to deteriorate.
• Ensure accountability and transparency in the use of public funds, particularly those intended for the welfare of vulnerable children and adults.

Supporting Evidence

I can provide further documentation and evidence to support these claims, including:

• Records of ESCC’s admissions regarding unmonitored care placements.
• Budgetary reports highlighting escalating deficits and the increasing cost of care.
• Details of governance concerns related to former and current ESCC leadership.
• Documentation of Emily’s specific case and the council’s failure to fulfill its duties.

Emily’s situation is a direct consequence of systemic failures within ESCC. I trust that the Serious Fraud Office will act to prevent further harm to vulnerable individuals and ensure public funds are used responsibly.

I am available to provide additional information or clarification as needed.

Kind Regards
Mr. Martin Newbold