City council director suspended after repair corruption investigation

An Edinburgh council director has been suspended and a disciplinary investigation launched into “managerial matters” following claims of corruption in the repairs department.

Dave Anderson was suspended from his role as director of city development at the City of Edinburgh Council on Monday with immediate effect.

The move has come following a police investigation into the authority’s property repairs, a council service which Mr Anderson was responsible for overseeing.

The authority’s repairs service is being reviewed for alleged corruption to a value of £30m pounds following allegations of large increases to the cost of council enforced repairs to buildings in the city.

There have also been complaints that poor materials have been used in repairs, the quality of work carried out has been substandard and that unapproved contractors have been awarded work.

Since the allegations were made public last year 15 council officials have been investigated and at least seven of those have been suspended.

Following Mr Anderson’s suspension the council’s chief executive said: “I can confirm that the Director of City Development has been suspended pending a disciplinary investigation into managerial matters.

“The Council has clear procedures in place to handle such cases and it would be inappropriate to make any further comment at this time.”

Additional responsibilities have been given to head of economic development Greg Ward in the absence of Mr Anderson.

Andrew Burns, the council leader, said: “This is a management matter and I have every confidence that the chief executive will see that it is resolved properly and as quickly as possible. I will be seeking regular updates on progress.”

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