AN INDEPENDENT investigator has now been called in at South Lakeland District Council following the suspension of three senior officers, reports Ellis Butcher.

Following a long-running internal investigation, the council confirmed yesterday (Thursday) that the process has moved to a second stage this week.

The Audit Commission, an independent watchdog respons-ible for public money, yesterday confirmed that Fiona Daley, the District Auditor for Cumbria has become involved. However, a spokesman refused to say if she was the independent person referred to by the council.

The investigations follow what council leader Coun Colin Hodgson has previously described as "discrepancies in the implementation of the pay and grading structure," or job evaluation.

The three unnamed officers were suspended from work in April although the council has stressed the action was "purely precautionary" and should "in no way imply misconduct."

Ever since, Mike Jones, the director of customer services, has been working as acting chief executive, with Helen Smith as acting chief finance officer.

Mr Jones will also act as the council's returning officer during next week's council elections.

Sue Barton, the council's director of strategy and planning, who is standing in for Mr Jones while he is on annual leave this week, issued a statement yesterday.

It read: "The first stage of the process governing the job evaluation investigation being carried out by South Lakeland District Council has been completed and the process has moved on to the second stage which involves the matter being referred to an Independent Person. The process is in accordance with the National Terms and Conditions of Service of the three senior officers of the council involved."