Leading Liberal Democrat councillor David Beavan has been sanctioned after accusing East Suffolk Council officers of 'fiddling' figures.

Cllr Beavan, leader of the GLI group (Greens/Liberal/Independent) and councillor representing the Southwold & Reydon Ward, has been told he must provide a written apology to the three officers he made allegations against regarding figures around housing matters, and that if re-elected in May 2023, he undertake training on the new LGA Model Code of Conduct.

Felixstowe councillors weighed into the debate at the the last meeting of the East Suffolk (District) Council prior to the elections in May, that heard the investigation had cost taxpayers around £12,000.

Cllr Mick Richardson reported to full council as chair of the Audit & Governance committee on Monday, 13 March of its decision to report to full council about Cllr Beavan's behavior and the sanctions made against him, confirmed by an Independent Person.

Trimley councillor Richardson told the council the complaint could have easily been resolved with a simple apology to officers of the council - way back in May 2022, but due to a refusal to engage with the process of resolution, the matter unnecessarily escalated, and was considered by the Audit & Governance committee.

Cllr Richardson said it was with 'a heavy heart' he had to report: "Due to the refusal of the councillor to 'engage', independent 'outside' legal advice was sought that found that the councillor was culpable for his actions.

"That legal advice cost £12,000 - monies that could have been much better spent elsewhere. All for the sake of an apology to three people."

Cllr Beavan's name was made public during that meeting, which was also live streamed, He was not at last night's debate at the full council meeting.