Hartlepool charity The Wharton Trust announces police investigation after 'significant concerns' emerge
A Hartlepool charity is being investigated by the police after “significant concerns” were raised over its accounts and operations.
The Wharton Trust, which runs The Annexe community and resource centre in Dyke House, announced it had reported itself to Cleveland Police and also the Charity Commission.
It was after an independent examiner’s report on the trust’s accounts raised what it said were significant concerns regarding accounting records.
An interim board of the charity, which has been in place since around the summer, says further issues have come to light.
A statement put out by the interim board of trustees of the Wharton Trust said it had been established to provide governance and oversight while supporting its day-to-day management and staff team.
The interim board said: “The independent examiner’s report on the trust’s accounts for the year ending 31 December, 2024, raised significant concerns regarding accounting records.
“Since then, further significant concerns across the accounts, governance and operations have come to light, which then had to be reported to the police and the Charity Commission.”
Cleveland Police confirmed an investigation is ongoing.
The Charity Commission said it does not currently have an investigation or compliance case open into the charity.
A spokesperson said: “We're aware of a social media post alleging financial and governance concerns at The Wharton Trust.
“In line with our guidance, The Wharton Trust reported this matter to us in 2025. At the time, we engaged with the charity’s trustees and our assessment was that appropriate steps were being taken.”
The Annexe runs a variety of events and activities for the community, and over the years has delivered a wide range of projects to help empower the local area.
The interim board added: “We recognise that this is a difficult time for the trust’s members, staff, funders and the wider community.
“The interim board is working with current members to identify any other issues that will need resolving, strengthen governance and ensure the trust meets its responsibilities to the organisation, the staff team, funders and the community it serves.
“The interim board would like to place on record its sincere thanks to the trust’s current staff, who continue to carry out their duties and support the board during this challenging period.”