The Charity Commission has launched an investigation into a foodbank charity amid concerns over information it submitted to one of its grant providers.

The statutory inquiry is being carried out into Knowsley Foodbank after the regulator began engaging with the charity in June over the information it provided to the funder.

This early probe found “further regulatory concerns that require assessment, including payments to a non-charitable company and the accuracy of information the charity submitted to the Commission”.

Being looked at are conflicts of interest, connected party transactions, the charity’s financial management and whether it has enough trustees “who are both willing and capable of managing it in accordance with its governing document”.

Also being looked at is “whether false and misleading information has been submitted to the Commission”.

“The Commission may extend the scope of the inquiry if additional regulatory issues emerge,” added the regulator.

The charity was set up to prevent and relieve poverty in Knowsley and the surrounding area through its foodbank and community store. It also offers support, services and advice to those in financial need.

Its last submitted accounts, for the financial year ending April 2024, found that it spent £890,407 and its total income was just under at £863,474. During this year it received £300,000 from two government grants.

According to the charity register it has only one trustee, 10 staff and is supported by 12 volunteers.

Knowsley Foodbank has been contacted for comment.

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