A GOVERNMENT report into Operation Lancet has been welcomed by Cleveland Police Authority.

A Home Office report into the long-running inquiry criticised its poor management and the spiralling cost to tax-payers on Teesside.

Councillor Ken Walker, chairman of Cleveland Police Authority, said recommendations in the report reflected the authority's concerns.

The review was ordered by the Government to help shape its plans for a new complaints system which, it is hoped, will include the setting up of a new Independent Police Complaints Commission.

Cleveland Police Authority is backing calls to ensure a proper framework of who pays for similar investigations is set up.

Coun Walker said: "I am sure there will be those who seek to use the report for further point-scoring over Operation Lancet, but that will be totally misrepresenting both the purpose of this study and the way it was carried out.

"As the report's author, William Taylor, makes crystal clear, his comments and recommendations relate to the issues that must be addressed in creating a new complaints system.

"We fully support his recommendations, which seek to improve the management of major complaints investigations, and we are particularly pleased he has adopted plans for developing a 'case conference' approach.

"This will ensure all the key stakeholders are fully involved in making sure investigations are properly co-ordinated.

"I believe everyone involved in Lancet will want ministers to recognise the fact that, if major investigations are to be supervised through a national body, the costs should also be met nationally."

K