by political editor Paul Francis

Kent County Council has sacked an official for gross misconduct after an auditors’ inquiry into one of the authority’s limited companies.

The investigation focused on the activities of Kent on Canvas and was triggered by a member of the public who raised concerns about how it was operating.

The company was set up in 2008 and was among a string of trading operations established by KCC to make money for the authority.

It was branded as an “art on demand” online business, selling photographic images and prints of the county.

Council auditors stepped in to examine the company following complaints and according to a report, uncovered evidence that a member of staff involved in selling its products had misappropriated funds, failed to declare interests and had “misrepresented facts concerning ownership and directorship.”

The auditors’ findings were presented to county councillors this week, but KCC declined to answer a series of questions about the matter and would not say how much money was involved.

In a statement, the council said: “It is not appropriate for us to comment further at this time as we have employment and data protection obligations which would be compromised by answering the questions.”

The legality of Kent on Canvas was queried shortly after it was established and KCC’s own lawyers said it was trading illegally.

It was subsequently reorganised to comply with rules on council- run companies.

It is understood the matter was referred to the police but they declined to pursue the matter.