Watchdog probes foodbank over use of funds

The foodbank was set up to prevent and relieve poverty in the borough

A foodbank on Merseyside is being investigated by The Charity Commission over concerns about the use of funds.

Knowsley Foodbank was set up to prevent and relieve poverty in the borough and surrounding areas through a foodbank service and community store, and was also linked to support services.

The Charity Commission said it was first contacted the charity in June 2025 after allegations made by one of its grant providers.

The inquiry will examine the administration, governance and management of the charity.

The regulator said it was also looking at payments to a non-charitable company and the accuracy of information the charity submitted to the Commission.

The watchdog, which regulate charities in England and Wales, said it would examine:

• whether the charity has a sufficient number of trustees who are both willing and capable of managing it in accordance with its governing document

• financial management and whether funds have been properly expended in accordance with the charity's governing document and can be accounted for

• conflicts of interest and connected party transactions

• whether false and misleading information has been submitted to the Commission

The Charity Commission said the scope of the inquiry may be extended if additional regulatory issues emerged.

A report on findings, and any action taken, will be published on its conclusion, it said.