Fresh council nepotism allegations as replacement chief costs £700 a day

FRESH allegations of nepotism at Gloucester city council have been referred to independent investigators.

The move comes after two council workers suspended over allegations of unfairly using family ties to appoint an employee left the authority.

And it's been claimed a replacement for another suspended boss is costing the council around £700 per day.

The Citizen understands one manager has resigned, another has been sacked and a third given a written warning, over casual paid work done as part of a work experience placement.

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Phil Staddon, the council's director of regeneration, remains suspended and it's claimed his interim replacement Ged Lucas is costing the council £700 a day.

Further allegations that managers appointed staff and consultants without going through the proper processes have been referred to the council's audit boss for an independent investigation.

They could also be looked in to by outside body South West Councils too.

City council leader Paul James said: "I can confirm that an anonymous letter has been received, making a number of allegations which are being independently investigated."

The council was rocked by the suspensions of three managers, revealed by The Citizen in September.

Mr Staddon was subsequently suspended from his £85,000-a-year post after allegations were made about his involvement in the investigation into the original case.

He remains suspended and has not been found guilty of wrongdoing at this stage.

A statement issued by the council said: "The internal disciplinary process involving a number of staff regarding recruitment processes have been partly concluded and appropriate actions taken as a result.

"An interim director has been employed from an agency, during the continuing investigations, at a typical commercial rate.

"Anonymous correspondence has been received by the council which is being investigated."