Report recommends review of Sandwell Council

The Local Government Association says the review, which will be done by the council's monitoring officer, must focus on ensuring best practice is followed.

And the LGA said it should involve an outside group to reassure people over transparency at the authority.

The council asked the LGA to carry out the Peer Review in October, and it was published yesterday.

A dark cloud looms over the council following a report into former deputy leader Mahboob Hussain.

He was found to quashed parking tickets for family members and been involved in the sale of council-owned toilets.

He has always denied any wrongdoing.

Last month Halesowen and Rowley Regis MP James Morris called on leader Steve Eling to resign in the House Of Commons.

He called for an end to a 'rotten regime'.

The Peer Report gave 12 recommendations as part of its report. A key recommendation was 'complete and implement the planned fundamental review of governance'.

It said: "The review should focus on ensuring the processes and protocols in place reflect best practice, and support and enable a culture of challenge and transparency."

The report, which followed a four-day visit by the LGA, did find there was 'clear focus and desire' from council leaders to improve the service.

It also praised the council's efforts to balance its budget against shrinking Government grants.

Chief executive Jan Britton said: "The report talks about the pride, passion and positivity I see every day in Sandwell, and everyone's commitment to improve outcomes for local people.

"The report shows that, despite some difficult challenges, we are in a good place to move forward, build on our strengths and successes and develop our long-term strategies in line with our vision."

But Mr Morris said: "I have requested a meeting with the LGA to discuss this [the report] further, as I find some of their conclusions vague, wooly and a whitewash."