THE full costs of the suspensions at South Lakeland District Council and the subsequent investigation have been divulged this week.

A report by acting chief executive Mike Jones concluded that the three staff suspensions that followed the attempt to bring in a new pay and grading structure cost tax-payers a total of £271,900 not including the salaries of the three suspended officers who were on full pay.

In a 21-page report, that will be discussed by members at a full council meeting next Tuesday (March 1), Mr Jones also acknowledged that the process had had a detrimental effect on staff morale, and it could be assumed that many had lost confidence in the senior management of the council.

However, speaking to The Westmorland Gazette after the report's release, Mr Jones said: "The council has learned lessons and will learn from this experience, and I think tax-payers can be assured of that."

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