AGO report: MinLaw failed to keep proper asset records of those who died at homes

THE Auditor-General's Office (AGO) report on accounts of government entities and statutory bodies for the financial year 2015/16 on Tuesday showed the Public Trustee's Office (PTO) under the Ministry of Law did not have adequate controls in handling deceased persons' assets received from nursing homes.

"The handling, recording and safekeeping of assets received were carried out by only one officer; there were no independent checks. AGO also noted discrepancies in the recording of assets received from nursing homes."

This meant there was no assurance that assets held in trust by PTO were correctly accounted for, which raised the risk of misappropriation of valuable assets, the AGO said.