SCOTTISH COUNCILS: THE FULL INVESTIGATION
Master Dossier Published by JAOC Investigations
We are now applying the same deep scrutiny used in our East Lothian investigation to every council across Scotland.This landmark document pulls together verified facts and official findings in one place:
What you will find inside:
- Full risk ranking — All 32 councils from highest to lowest concern
- Total debt figures — £25.3 billion national debt and rising
- Council tax rises — Up to +26% over three years
- Pay and allowances — Senior rises up to +40.7% while services are cut
- High‑value controversial projects — Costs doubling with no clear explanation
- Procurement and contracts — Who wins repeatedly and why
- Overseas donations — Where public money is sent abroad
- Child protection history — Confirmed cases and systemic failures
Proven fraud and embezzlement — Weak controls and undetected theft
Official watchdog warnings — Audit Scotland, Ombudsman and Care Inspectorate findings
Whistleblower guidance — Your rights and how we protect you
This is not speculation. It is what the official records show.
We will investigate each council and present our findings publicly and involve authorities with our findings.
EAST LOTHIAN COUNCIL: FINANCIAL GOVERNANCE & RISK INVESTIGATION
Published by JAOC Investigations | 7 August 2026
Full dossier, recommendations & risk summary available to download.
What We Found :
Our investigation reveals East Lothian Council operates with severe gaps in transparency, oversight and accountability: Over £55 million of public funds placed at risk – without public consultation or independent audit
One senior councillor controls policy, evidence, procurement and revenue‑raising across parking, the 5% Visitor Levy, land sales and business loans
Consultants appointed repeatedly without open tender, then used to justify the very policies they were hired to assess
Reserves falling fast – forecast to be completely exhausted within two years
Senior pay rises of up to 41% while services are cut, taxes increased and new charges introduced
A network of hidden subsidiary companies shifting spending and decision‑making out of public view
Key Concerns
Edinburgh Innovation Hub: £10 million of council money invested – no independent audit exists
East Lothian Investments: £2 million of public money loaned to businesses – no public list of recipients or default rates
Mid‑Market Homes: £45 million of liabilities – ultimately underwritten by residents
Same pattern: Decisions made behind closed doors; costs and risks passed to local people
What We Are Calling For
Immediate freeze on all new spending, charges, loans and land sales
Full independent audit of all high‑risk projects and companies
End to one‑person control – split civic and executive roles
Full public consultation before any major financial decision
Whistleblowers
New evidence emerges in East Lothian Council investigation
JAOC Investigations can confirm that multiple whistleblowers have now contacted us with first‑hand information relating to East Lothian Council.
Individuals with direct knowledge have come forward since we published our initial findings into governance, spending and transparency concerns.
We are treating all identities with the strictest confidence. No personal details will be shared, published or passed to any third party without your explicit consent.
Information provided so far supports and expands upon the patterns we have already identified, including:
- Decision‑making taking place outside formal committees
- Pressure on officers to approve or justify certain projects
- Concerns over how consultants and suppliers are selected
- Details of issues not visible in published accounts or minutes
Your safety comes first
We understand that speaking out carries risk. We follow secure handling procedures for all communications and evidence.
- You do not need to give your name.
- You can send information anonymously via secure channels.
We want to hear from you
If you work, or have worked, for East Lothian Council, its subsidiaries or partner organisations, and have concerns you believe the public should know:
All material will be reviewed and verified. Where safe and appropriate, it will be used to build a fuller, more accurate picture for the public.
Whistle blower securely via this form :