The Charity Commission opened a statutory inquiry into Knowsley Foodbank amid serious concerns about the charity’s governance, financial management, and ability to account for its use of funds.
The investigation follows the decision of a major grant funder to terminate its relationship with the foodbank, raising questions about whether the charity has been operating in line with its governing document. Knowsley Foodbank, established to relieve poverty in the Knowsley area, provides food, essential items, and support services to individuals and families in financial hardship.
Regulatory Concerns Triggering the Inquiry
The Commission began engaging with the charity in June 2025 after allegations surfaced regarding information submitted to a grant provider. Subsequent compliance work uncovered further issues, including:
- Payments made to a non-charitable company
- Concerns about the accuracy of information submitted to the Commission
- Questions over whether the charity has enough capable trustees to manage it properly
- Potential conflicts of interest and connected‑party transactions
- Doubts about whether funds have been properly spent and accounted for
Scope of the Inquiry
The statutory inquiry, opened on 30 July 2025 under section 46 of the Charities Act 2011, will examine the charity’s administration, governance and financial controls. The Commission has stated it may widen the investigation if additional issues emerge.
Next Steps
As is standard practice, the Commission will publish a full report once the inquiry concludes, detailing the findings and any regulatory action taken.
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