EXPLOSIVE new allegations of dodgy land deals, rigged sealed bids and corrupt council house allocations are being investigated at Sandwell Council.

The latest investigations were sparked after internal interviews following the publication of the Wragge Report in May which detailed wrongdoing by former deputy leader Oldbury Councillor Mahboob Hussain.

Leader of Sandwell Councillor Steve Eling outlined the new allegations.

He said: "Following on from what was found in the Wragge Report there are now alleged problems with other land deals, council house lettings, sealed bids and parking tickets."

Jan Britton, Sandwell Council chief executive, said: “A number of audit investigations are continuing into issues identified in the recent Wragge Report or related matters.

“While we cannot discuss the details of particular cases, the subjects under investigation include land and property sales and purchases, and housing allocations."

He added: “When completed, these investigations will be reported to the council's audit committee."

"We expect these reports will be presented to the committee early in the new year.”

Cllr Eling believes January will be a month of reckoning for the long-running saga.

He said: "I can understand why people are getting frustrated about how long this process is taking.

"However, the standards committee will present its report in January, and the various audit committee reports will also be published.

"It seems following on from what was found in the Wragge Report there are alleged problems with council house lettings, sealed bids and parking tickets."

Cllr Hussain has been interviewed concerning the standards committee report but has yet to appear before the committee in public, this was due to happen in August but is now planned for January.

Cllr Hussain told the News: "I am unaware of any new investigations, but whatever needs to be investigated should be investigated.

"I await to be told to appear before the standards committee."

Former Sandwell Council cabinet member for regeneration Cllr Ian Jones is set to be questioned by the audit committee today (Thursday).

Cllr Jones was due to appear in front of the committee in August and September to answer questions concerning the Wragge Report but was a no show on both occasions.

The report cleared him of wrongdoing but accused him of being a "passive bystander."

The Wragge Report by solicitors Wragge, Lawrence, Graham and Co was commissioned by Sandwell Council in October 2014 after the police began investigating allegations concerning council land, including former toilets and the former Smethwick coroner's court being sold to Cllr Hussain's family members and associates.

The police found Cllr Hussain had no case to answer after an 18 month fraud investigation.