Take Barnsley College. First it comes under investigation by the Further Education Funding Council’s auditors over its financial affairs.

Then the police confirm they are awaiting the outcome of the investigation. And the National Audit Commission confirms it is looking at the situation in collaboration with the FEFC, so there’s no duplication.

Now, just in case all this probng has given the public the impression that there has been anything wrong with the running of the college, the Cabinet Office has stepped in to clear up any confusion.

Mo Mowlam, minister for the Cabinet Office, has awarded it with a Charter Mark for excellence in public services. The college, said the Cabinet Office, is a good example of a public institution which meets its customers’ needs.

That clears that up then.