AN inquisitive Labour leader has called for an investigation into Bromsgrove District Council's housing budget as stock continues to dwindle but administration costs rise.

At a meeting last Wednesday, Cllr Peter McDonald (Uffdown and Waseley) asked members to vote for the inquiry. He said most of the budget was swallowed up by salaries and administration. Members agreed to the moves.

Council leader Cllr Nick Psirides (Con, Norton) said the authority had nothing to hide.

He added: "The costs relating to housing are not proportional to the number of houses we have left because we can't emp-loy portions of rent collectors."