A HARD-LEFT political group is calling for a public inquiry into the council's mismanagement of millions of pounds.

In a statement released ahead of tonight's cabinet meeting, at which councillors will agree a plan to prevent a repeat of the fiasco, the Walthamstow Socialist Party (WSP) has demanded a public enquiry.

If this “demand” is not met, a spokeswoman said, the party will “argue for the trade unions to initiate their own investigation.”

Linda Taaffe, WSP chairwoman, said: “We warned back in the early 1990s that privatisation would lead to the destruction of public services, while vested interests filled their pockets.

“We take no pleasure in saying to the people of the borough that we were right.”

Leading councillors will tonight discuss a plan which aims to eradicate a disregard for for anti-fraud procedures regarding council contracts with a comprehensive reform of the authority's procedures.

The plan includes a review of the human resources function to deliver a "new culture" based on collective responsibility.

The roles of leading councillors and senior officers will be "restated" in terms of standards, expectations and responsibilities.

Procurement and commissioning training will also be reviewed.

And the plan also includes measures to increase transparency and public participation in council activities, including improved cabinet reports and greater scrutiny of cabinet decisions.

The move follows a damning report by an independent panel which found the mismanagement of council contracts worsened since the scandal over the authority's use of regeneration funds came to light.

Critics of the independent report have said it failed to explain why the fiasco happened and hold those responsible to account.

Disciplinary proceedings against a number of council officers are ongoing.

Ruling Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors have apologised for the failings.

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