Homes chief suspended amid probe

Jane Duncan has worked in the housing sector for more than 20 years

The chief executive of the company which runs North Lincolnshire's 10,000 former council homes has been suspended after complaints from her staff.

Jane Duncan has been in the post since North Lincolnshire Homes (NLH) was awarded the contract in March 2006.

NLH chairman Tony Lightfoot said: "Jane Duncan has been suspended as a precaution, pending... an investigation into internal employee complaints."

He said her suspension was "a neutral act" which did not imply wrongdoing.

In a statement released on Thursday, Mr Lightfoot said: "It is fully in line with North Lincolnshire Homes procedures to facilitate an independent investigation being carried out."

Finance director and deputy chief executive Andy Orrey would deputise in the interim period, he added.

"We wish to reassure our customers that there will be no impact on our work and we remain committed to providing a high level of service to our tenants and leaseholders," said Mr Lightfoot.

"As this is an internal matter, it would be highly inappropriate to comment further at this time."

NLH is a not-for-profit organisation which took control of the housing stock in the Scunthorpe area in March 2006 after a vote among council house tenants.