Leader refutes claims he is delaying action on flooding and taxi failures

Both scrutiny reports highlight failings at the council and contain recommendations on how to improve. But council’s cabinet has decided that they will not be looked at until a meeting in January - more than a year after the flooding.

The decision has been criticised as “nonsensical” by the opposition. But council leader Coun Peter Mullineaux said it was important time was taken to discuss issues with a newly-formed cabinet and a newly-installed chief executive, and many recommendations have already been implemented.

Labour’s Coun Paul Foster said: “Let’s hope there are no further flooding incidents prior to the middle of January 2017. Of course, we shouldn’t forget that the serious incidents of last year happened on Boxing Day, which this year will be at least four weeks before this Executive even consider the recommendations for our own internal review into last years tragic events.”

He added: “The cabinet are sitting on these reports because whats in them is very critical. They’re letting concern about public criticism get in the way of public need.

“That flooding review has been about for months and there is nothing stopping an effective leader actioning this outside the cabinet. Residents need reassurance.”

Coun Mullineaux said: “There is absolutely no delaying action on any of the reports in question. The flooding report in fact has already had most of the recommendations either implemented or are in the process of being and residents can be reassured that things are being done.”

He is also looking at holding an earlier cabinet meeting.