'Offensive' remarks by Brum MP.

A BIRMINGHAM MP's attacks on the city's housing department, staff and the Government inspectors who gave it a top rating have been branded 'offensive'.

Edgbaston MP Gisela Stuart has sparked outrage during a House of Commons debate when she questioned the validity of an Audit Commission report which praising Birmingham City Council Housing Department's progress over recent years.

Now city housing boss, and a leading tenants representative have leapt to the defence of officials and staff.

Jim Nicholl, who is retiring after five years as chairman of the City's Housing Liaison Board, said: "The housing department staff work hard and are providing a great service for tenants. I can't understand why a Birmingham MP is criticising them and doing this city down."

City cabinet member for Housing John Lines (Cons, Bartley Green), a political rival of Ms Stuart, said: "She has again been hiding behind Parliamentary privileges by calling into question the honesty and integrity of the Audit Commission and even more offensive, the good name of the hard-working members of staff and our partners who have worked so hard to achieve so much in such a short time."

He added that the Labour Government housing minister has written to him in praise of the council's housing service.