UK government agency launches probe over £6,000 purchase of luxury chocolates

Information Commissioner’s Office looking at pre-Christmas purchase using corporate charge card

Hotel Chocolat chocolates (PA)

Officials have launched an investigation after thousands of pounds were spent on luxury chocolates using a government agency credit card shortly before Christmas.

The UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has begun an internal probe after it emerged that £6,248 was spent on items from Hotel Chocolat, the high-end confectionary outlet. 

The 21 December purchase is included in a list of the agency’s corporate charge card payments in excess of £500. It stands out among work-related spending on items such as job listings and computer services.

If the purchase of pricey treats is found to have violated the data regulator’s policy on spending, the ICO could ask for “reimbursement” from whoever is found responsible.

“This payment is currently subject to an internal investigation,” a spokesperson told The Independent. “We believe that the transaction has been made contrary to ICO policies.”

The official added: “The ICO is committed to upholding high standards in all aspects of our financial management and controls. Should a contravention of our finance policies be confirmed, we will take appropriate action, including ensuring the payment is reimbursed.”

Hotel Chocolat retails its most expensive selection of chocolates, the Signature Cabinet, at £170 a box. Data campaigners condemned the purchase, but praised the ICO for making the details public.

“I don’t know what’s worse: the fact that someone who had access to the credit card did this, or that they thought it was OK,” FOI campaigner John Slater told Business Insider, which first reported the purchase.

The ICO is a non-departmental public body which received £4.6m of government funding last year. However, it is primarily funded by private organisations who pay an annual data protection fee.