An MP has called for a change in the law after his complaint about Colchester Council was thrown out.
The town's MP Bob Russell had complained to the Audit Commission about property transactions in the St Botolph's area of Colchester, signed off by his own party members at Colchester Council.
However, the Audit Commission found no grounds to issue a report into the transactions, effectively giving the council a clean bill of health.
Now Liberal Democrat Mr Russell has used an Early Day Motion to call on Parliament to amend the Audit Commission Act, to give more powers to the commission to investigate valuations of properties.
His motion "urges the Government to amend the Audit Commission Act to enable the Audit Commission, in situations where concerns have been raised, to obtain a valuation from two other valuers so that it can be satisfied that public money is being spent economically, efficiently and effectively".
Mr Russell said: "What I believe this case has thrown up is the Audit Commission Act has drafted boundaries which has meant the commission's powers are restricted."
Meanwhile, North Essex Conservative MP Bernard Jenkin has asked for the cost of investigating the complaint to be published, along with details of who will pay.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Wednesday, December 7, 2005
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