A review into the way alleged misconduct by senior council officers is investigated has been launched.

The rapid review comes after the chief executive of Caerphilly County Borough Council was sacked after a six year suspension over ‘unlawful' pay rises.

Julie James, local government minister, pledged to ensure the arrangements for misconduct investigations are ‘fit for purpose'.

In a written statement, Ms James said: ‘It is important the arrangements for investigating alleged misconduct of senior officers within local government in Wales are reviewed periodically to ensure they remain fit for purpose.

‘Events in Caerphilly County Borough Council, during the past six years have led to fresh calls for a review of these arrangements, with local citizens and both local and national media raising a number of concerns about the impact of the protracted process.'

The rapid review will compare the arrangements in Wales with those in other parts of the UK and will identify any improvements needed to the current system.

It will also explore if the current arrangements strike the right balance between protecting officers from summary dismissal and allowing investigations to be conducted in a timely manner.

The review is expected to be concluded early next year.