MIDLOTHIAN COUNCIL — INVESTIGATION OVERVIEW

JAOC Investigations • August 2026

 WHAT WE ARE FINDING

Our ongoing investigation into Midlothian Council reveals a concerning pattern: taxes rising sharply, reserves being depleted, debt growing, and key public information being withheld from residents.

 THE NUMBERS — AT A GLANCE

Item Trend 

Council Tax ↑ 24.5% over 3 years 

Councillor Allowances ↑ nearly 60% — self-awarded 

Revenue Reserves ↓ 40% — drained away 

Total Borrowing ↑ nearly 50% — soaring debt 

Consultancy Costs ↑ 141% — £3.4m spent, names hidden 

 KEY AREAS OF CONCERN

- Asset Sales: Community land and buildings sold — often at prices below independent valuations. Purchasers and full details not published.

- Declarations Hidden: Register of Interests shows declarations for only 2 out of 18 councillors. No historical records available.

- Spending Opacity: £3.4m in consultancy fees — but no public list of who was paid or why contracts were not tendered.

- Audit Scotland Concerns: Official reports flag weaknesses in procurement, asset valuation, and conflict-of-interest monitoring.

- Services Reduced: Residents pay more — but see community facilities closed, maintenance backlogs growing, and frontline services cut.

 PART OF A WIDER PICTURE

Midlothian is the third council we have examined in depth — joining East Lothian and Scottish Borders. Across all three, we see the same repeating pattern: rising costs, depleted reserves, incomplete transparency, and unanswered questions.

 WHISTLEBLOWERS & EVIDENCE

 Whistleblowers have come forward with firsthand accounts. We are cross-referencing their testimony with council accounts, audit reports, land records, and Freedom of Information responses.

This investigation is ongoing. Facts are being verified. Questions are being asked. Answers are being pursued.