The auditing of Hull City Council's accounts has been suspended because of a string of financial irregularities. District auditor, Mike Newbury, stopped the process in November, after uncovering a number of significant errors in the financial statements.

Mr Newbury said: ‘Problems appeared to result from failures in basic accounting and financial-management processes.' ‘I have used my legal powers to formally raise my concerns with the council and secure urgent action to address these failures,' said Mr Newbury. ‘I have seen early drafts of the action plans now being put in place to tackle these issues, and I am encouraged by the commitment of the council to put these problems right.'