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An investigation into expenses claims made by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Norfolk found no evidence a criminal offence had been committed.

The investigation, carried out by City of London Police under the direction and control of the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC), began in June 2014 following a referral from the Norfolk Police and Crime Panel.

The referral from the Panel followed complaints about expenses claims Stephen Bett made for journeys between the PCC’s home address and his place of work between 15 November 2012 and 31 October 2013. In November 2013 Mr Bett repaid £2,721.60 and agreed to stop claiming for the journeys.

The investigation found that after taking up his post in November 2012 Mr Bett agreed with the then chief executive of his office, and his chief finance officer that he could declare his home address as his permanent place of work.

This allowed him to claim for travel from his home to meetings at the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner. There was no evidence that the agreement was dishonest or otherwise involved the commission of a criminal offence. The evidence showed that Mr Bett followed the policies that were in place at the time.

IPCC Commissioner James Dipple-Johnstone said: “The sole purpose of the investigation was to establish whether a criminal offence may have been committed by Mr Bett, not whether the arrangement complied with Her Majesty’s Customs and Revenue (HMRC) rules or other guidance as that does not fall within our remit.

“Mr Bett’s office has now put in place new arrangements for claiming travel expenses that should provide the level of accountability the public expects.”

The report on our website.

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