Council suspends second officer

The council is tackling a £150m shortfall in its housing budget

A senior Flintshire County Council officer has been suspended.

It follows the suspension of the head of housing Steve Partner in December, after Flintshire's housing repair department and direct labour organisation faced £2m losses.

The council refused to name the officer or confirm reports the suspension is connected to the housing crisis.

A statement said the suspension was a "neutral" act, and the issue will be investigated independently.

The statement confirmed that a "senior officer has been suspended in accordance with the disciplinary procedure of the authority".

It added: "The issues leading to the suspension will now be the subject of an investigation to be conducted by an independent person to be engaged by the council.

"Suspension is a neutral act pending the outcome of an investigation.

"It is not our policy to name any member of staff involved in such circumstances."

The suspension came just a day after Flintshire announced it is to consult more than 7,500 council tenants over the possible transfer of ownership of homes to a housing association or trust.

The process is part of the council's plan to tackle a £150m shortfall in its housing budget.