There were accusations of the tail wagging the dog in Douglas Council as members debated the delegation of powers.

Councillor Ritchie McNicholl spoke as members were discussing how the council responds to planning applications as he said officers shouldn’t be making decisions on behalf of the council.

Mr McNicholl said: ’The officers of Douglas Council are here to do what we ask them to do.

’The officers of the council are here to do what we ask, not to tell us "I’m right, you’re wrong". It is ridiculous.

’I’d like an officer to write a pros and cons list and then let the committee decide.’

Further criticism was made by Councillor Andrew Bentley who said he had not been allowed to see the report he was being asked to vote for and said it was ’a bit North Korean’.

Council leader David Christian, who chairs the committee handling the report, said that the council must delegate some of its applications as it wouldn’t have time to do them all.

Mr Christian, while barely containing his frustration, said: ’I don’t believe any officer has the authority to not let members see reports.

’All members should be able to see any report they are asked to vote on.’

Mr Christian then withdrew the clause meaning members will have to consider it again next month.