Nottingham City Council has demanded an apology from CLG ministers after an internal enquiry found 'perfectly reasonable and proper purposes' for spending on government credit cards highlighted in the Mail on Sunday.

Housing minister Grant Shapps has accused the council of displaying 'a casual regard to the public purse' after a freedom of information request ordered by communities secretary Eric Pickles revealed officials had used corporate cards to pay bills for wine, air flights and a trip to Alton Towers.