DEMANDS for an investigation into controversial plans for Monmouthshire County Council to write-off nearly £2 million in arrears are continuing.

Cllr Graham Down, cabinet member for finance and budgetary control, has already stated to The Free Press that the figures were inaccurate as some of the finance was 'dummy money', used to test a new computer system.

A further explanation was given that this was not made clear by the council's external auditors in their annual report to the council.

The Free Press has since learned that Phil Hobson, leader of the Liberal Democrats on MCC now plans to write to Steve Greenslade, corporate director of finances, to request a full explanation into these claims.

It is also understood that Cllr Hobson has been in touch with the Wales Audit Office and Price, Waterhouse Cooper, the council's auditors.

"I have discussed the contents of the annual report with the auditors and claims that the £2 million of arrears didn't really exist, although no mention was made of this is in their report," said Cllr Hobson. "I have asked them for an explanation. I want them to tell me that it is even remotely conceivable that their figures included wads of 'Monopoly' money of which they were not aware."

Cllr Hobson added: "The company has been in contact and advised me that they are now making some additional inquiries and we can expect an answer next week."

In his letter to Steve Greenslade, Cllr Hobson says: "The Liberal Democrat Group is deeply anxious to get to the bottom of this issue. We are at present highly sceptical of the claims that the arrears of nearly £2 million is 'bogus money' that actually didn't exist.

"We are not satisfied by this response. We are deeply unhappy and concerned that either one of two things have happened: either the computer system was allowed to go 'live' including a huge amount of 'Monopoly money', or the figures given to the auditors was in fact misleading and did not contain a full explanation into the true situation of the council's accounts."

Cllr Hobson added: "For the benefit of council tax payers in Monmouthshire, and to restore confidence into the financial management of the authority, we are seeking a swift response to these claims so that the matter can quickly be resolved."