A CHARITY which supports people with learning disabilities is under investigation for alleged misconduct.

Concerns over accounting records and finances led to the Rossendale Valley branch of Mencap, a charity which offers guidance and support to people with learning disabilities and to their families, becoming the subject of a Government probe.

The Charity Commission said it began engaging with Mencap in 2017 and has since issued two action plans to trustees to address overdue and outstanding accounting records and issues around the charity’s governance.

It claims the charity did not comply with either of the action plans, and as a result the regulator is now concerned the charity’s assets may be at risk.

As well as providing a learning disability helpline, Mencap’s mission it to support people with learning disabilities and their families across the country. It also helps to facilitate leisure activities for groups.

When contacted for a comment, a representative said the Rossendale branch of the charity had been disaffiliated from Mencap since January 2018.

Kate Oldroyd, network manager at Mencap, said: “Mencap works with over 340 network partners, and we are pleased the Charity Commission has opened this inquiry.

“We hope that by exercising further powers, this will enable a full investigation into the issues raised concerning Rossendale Valley Mencap and ensure that as a charity they are serving the best interests of the people they are supporting.” 

It is understood that after the Rossendale Branch disaffiliated, the charity intended to operate under the name of the Rossendale Open House and is now known locally as the Rossendale Valley Gateway Club.

According to official documents, the inquiry will examine whether the charity’s trustees are complying with their legal duties, including establishing whether the charity has a significant number of trustees who are willing and capable to manage it in accordance with its governing document.

Their compliance with legal obligations for the preparation and filing of the charity’s accounts and other information or returns will also be reviewed, as will the extent to which trustees of the charity have complied with previously issues regulatory advice.

The inquiry will also establish whether or not there are appropriate policies and procedures in place to safeguard vulnerable beneficiaries.

The document reads: “The Commission may extend the scope of the inquiry if further issues emerge.”

The Rossendale Valley Gateway Club were approached for a comment.