PLANS to run training sessions to improve relationships between officers and councillors at a North Yorkshire local authority have come under fire.

The Improvement and Development Agency (IDA) proposes that Richmondshire District Council embarks on a programme of senior councillor mentoring, team building exercises and working groups.

The sessions would cost the taxpayer £6,150 plus VAT and expenses, with at least £2,000 paid for by the district council.

The programme is designed to improve the "roles, relationships and ethical behaviour" of councillors.

The proposal follows years of upheaval and bad feeling between members and officers.

The IDA recommends that council leader Melva Steckles is mentored by Margaret Eaton, the leader of the City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council.

Also proposed are team building sessions for the council leader, plus leaders of the other political groups and the one independent member.

The IDA says the work should start to address and improve relationships between councillors and officers.

However, Councillor John Blackie says the programme is no longer needed following the resignation of chief executive Harry Tabiner and a reorganisation of senior officers.

He said: "What appeared to be the concern about ethical governance is now around political competency.

"If this is about bolstering a failing, faltering administration that needs to be coaxed, mentored along, it should be paid for by that political administration, rather than the taxpayer."

Councillors Blackie, Linda Curran and Jim Fryer will put forward a motion rejecting most of the IDA's recommendations when the issue is discussed at a meeting tonight.

The IDA conducted a report after members' conduct was heavily criticised by district auditor Mark Kirkham.

Mr Kirkham made a Section 11 recommendation, which is a formal request for the council to take action.

Council leader Coun Steckles said the IDA's involvement was agreed by the previous administration, which was led by Coun Blackie.

"It would be a nonsense if we now didn't accept that report,"

she said. "The auditor is going to say what's going on?' Coun Steckles accused the opposition of trying to take the council backwards by criticising the recommendations.