A number of subcontractors are understood to have approached the council with allegations of fraudulent invoices and kickbacks on projects for the council, but neither Kier nor Harrow Council will confirm which projects are involved.
The claims are thought to have been made in late June, and an investigation has been running for three months. A council spokesman could not indicate when the investigation might be concluded.
Harrow Council named Kier Building Maintenance as the preferred bidder in a ВЈ125m five-year contract to repair and maintain 6,000 council houses, schools and other council buildings. It is not known whether any of the allegations relate to this project.
ADVERTISEMENTIn a statement a Kier spokesman said: "Kier takes such allegations very seriously and a joint investigation, with Harrow Council, is already in process. Up to this time these allegations are uncorroborated and it would be irresponsible to make any further comment until all investigations are complete."
Harrow Council leader Councillor David Ashton said: "Harrow Council launched an investigation after several sub-contractors brought allegations of corruption to the attention of a council officer.
"In the course of the council's own investigation which followed, it spoke to two other sub contractors.
"A joint investigation between Harrow Council and Kier is under way. It is important to stress that at present, while serious, these allegations remain unproven.
"However, Harrow Council expects the highest standards of probity from its commercial partners. If any money is found to be owed as a result of these allegations, the authority will look to recoup those losses."
