Council staff released in corruption probe

Leeds City Council said the three individuals released without charge were now back at work

Three staff members at Leeds City Council's planning department who were arrested as part of an investigation into suspected corruption have been released without charge, police have said.

They were among a total of 13 people, including three other former council workers, arrested since December 2024.

The council said the three individuals released without charge had returned to work and no disciplinary action had been taken.

A council spokesperson said the other three council workers arrested as part of the investigation had been suspended since their arrests and had now left the authority, meaning no one currently employed by the council was being investigated as part of the inquiry.

The force said 10 people remained under investigation.

A spokesperson for Leeds City Council said: "We can assure the public that we are absolutely committed to ensuring all our staff adhere to the highest standards of professional and personal conduct."

The authority said that in line with its "commitment to transparency, earlier this year it had asked central government's Planning Advisory Service to undertake an independent review of the general running and performance of our planning and enforcement services".

The council spokesperson said a report detailing the findings of the review had found there was "confidence in the role that 'controls and governance' play in the operation of both services".

"The report further stated that the services deliver 'high-quality outcomes for the city' and have 'experienced and dedicated staff' who are 'professionally led'," they added.