The new Freedom of Information Act has failed to shed any light on the fate of three members of Oxfordshire County Council's social services staff suspended during a probe into alleged "missing millions".

Last year the staff, who work in the social and health care directorate, were suspended on full pay pending the outcome of disciplinary investigations into how £11m of taxpayers' money had not been properly accounted for.

The Oxford Mail used the new act, which allows the public access to information and documents held by public organisations, to discover whether the staff were sacked, still suspended on full pay, or back at work.

We also wanted to know the scope of the internal investigation into claims of "missing millions" in the social and health care department.

County Hall has refused to comment on the fate of the workers. They said our request concerned confidential and personal data, the disclosure of which would "substantially distress" the staff concerned.

A spokesman said: "The council indicated that three officers had been the subject of disciplinary investigations and that two hearings had taken place.

"We can confirm since that statement was made there has been a fourth disciplinary investigation, all the hearings have now taken place and appropriate management action has been taken. It is not considered that any further disciplinary investigations will arise.

"The council would like to make it clear there has never been any suggestion of dishonesty on the part of any member of staff."

However, it is understood the four individuals were today back at work.

County Hall insists the financial troubles of the past are behind them. A spokesman said: "The district auditor has signed off the county council's annual accounts without qualification."