A REPORT on Fife Council’s dealings with the company behind Kirkcaldy’s controversial comedy festival is to be made public.
An investigation has been carried out by the head of internal audit following a number of questions asked by concerned councillors.
It has now been confirmed that the findings will go before the local authority’s Kirkcaldy area committee.
Committee member George Kay said he welcomed the fact that councillors would be told the background to the council’s involvement, but added that he was “perplexed” by the announcement.
He explained that he had been led to believe the matter was at an end and the report was not a public document.
The Kirkcaldy Interactive Komedy Festival, run by Kreative Destiny, was scrapped halfway through.
The company had been given some public money to help stage the event, although it is not clear how much.
An application for further funding to stage a Hogmanay event in Kirkcaldy was turned down by the council.
Mr Kay and fellow councillor Susan Leslie have asked exactly how much money was given by the local authority to Kreative Destiny and why, having seen the “poor” business plan, the council was dealing with the business in the first place.
“They were given at least £5,000, which is the most that can be agreed without it going through committee, but it might have been split two ways, so it could be as much as £10,000,” said Mr Kay.
“At last week’s full council meeting Susan Leslie asked why this information was not coming forward in a public forum and I was astounded to hear Ronnie Hinds say it would be, after he had told me to keep it private.”
He added: “It’s better that it comes to Kirkcaldy area committee because that’s where it came up in the first place and that’s where it should be concluded.
“I would be disappointed if it didn’t come to the next committee at the end of January,” added Mr Kay.