West Yorkshire Police confirmed that it made a number of arrests between 26 and 28 of November as part of a complex investigation into reported corruption offences in West Yorkshire.Nine people in total were arrested on suspicion of bribery offences, including the four council staff members, who the BBCreported as being members of the councils planning department.Police said all nine people have now been bailed pending further enquiries.AdvertisementConfirming the four arrests, Leeds City Council said it had since suspended the staff members.A council spokesperson said: The council is aware of an investigation that is being carried out by West Yorkshire Polices Economic Crime Unit.We can confirm that four members of council staff have been arrested. The staff were subsequently suspended from their roles at the council in line with our established policies and procedures.The spokesperson said the council was unable to comment further while the police investigation was ongoing.West Yorkshire Police was unable to confirm whether any of the arrests were made on council property.AdvertisementA 2021 study by Transparency International found that half of English councils had planning policies that left them liable to corruption risk.2024-12-09Anna Highfieldcomment and share