Data watchdog probes 拢6,200 chocolate splurge

Image source, Getty Images

Image caption, Hotel Chocolat is one of the UK's leading premium-chocolate retailers

The UK's data-privacy watchdog is investigating why one of its corporate credit cards was used to spend 拢6,248.40 at luxury chocolate specialist Hotel Chocolat.

The charge was disclosed via a public declaration of the .

It indicates the purchase was made the week before Christmas.

The ICO is process personal data. It also receives a government grant.

The internal probe was sparked by an investigation , which flagged the spend on Monday.

'High standards'

"This payment is currently subject to an internal investigation," the watchdog said in a statement.

"We believe that the transaction has been made contrary to ICO policies.

"The ICO is committed to upholding high standards in all aspects of our financial management and controls.

"Should a contravention of our finance policies be confirmed, we will take appropriate action, including ensuring the payment is reimbursed."