AN audit of all schools in Brent has been ordered, in the wake of the financial scandal engulfing Copland School.

Councillor Bob Wharton, in charge of education for Brent Council, told councillors at a meeting last night an internal audit of schools' payrolls have been conducted and no problems have been discovered.

The action was one of the council's reactions to the problems at Copland, where the head, deputy-head and bursar have been suspended and the board of governors have been sacked amid allegations of financial mismanagement.

Cllr Wharton said: “In meetings about two months ago, it was spelled out that the council would be strengthening internal oversight of schools.

“The council's internal auditors will audit all schools.”

An investigation is ongoing into the claims of irregularities at Copland, but the furore has forced council chiefs to have a look at the systems in place governing school finances.

Labour Councillor Ann John, leader of the opposition, tabled a motion last night calling for a borough-wide investigation into school management of finances.

While the motion was criticised for being on a much bigger scale than the council could manage and eventually voted down, Cllr Wharton accepted some of the measures have already been taken up and the system does need “strengthening”.

Addressing the council, Cllr John said: “There are serious questions which I think need to be asked, certainly about processes and employment of family members.”

The result of the investigation into Copland is expected to be delivered by the end of July.