GRAVESHAM Council has been heavily criticised in an Audit Office report for policies on property.

The internal report, from July this year, blasted several property-related departments as having Significant and substantial weaknesses in asset management.

The district auditor concludes the report saying there will be no further auditing in the near future because of the extent of the weaknesses. The points raised in the report are due to be addressed in a meeting of the Corporate Policy Sub-Committee tomorrow (Thursday).

The council is accused of spreading the services across a range of departments who do not know their responsibilities. One of the strongest criticisms is over the issue of consultation. Gravesham has had their process of consulting users branded informal and indirect on several key issues.

Conservative Councillor Michael Snelling said: Obviously I am deeply disturbed by the comments on significant weaknesses in asset management and will be looking for the Labour cabinet member responsible on this subject to give an indication of the action he proposes.

Labour Councillor Jonathan Clay replied: I have asked officers for an urgent report identifying clearly what steps need to be taken to address the weaknesses which have been identified and propose a clear plan of action.

The report was in July and since then we have produced an asset management plan. We hope the audit will resume in the New Year.