An MP has repeated his call for an independent probe into Norwich City Council's decision to make Connaught responsible for fixing and maintaining council homes, saying it is even more vital now that the contract needs to be re-let.

Norwich South MP Simon Wright, pictured, called for an inquiry last month after Connaught Partnerships went into administration and more than 300 workers were made redundant.

Since his calls, which were sparked by concern that the �17.5m-a-year bid by Connaught to fix and maintain 17,000 council homes in Norwich was an 'abnormally low bid' which was never going to stack up, a rescue package the city council was hoping to turn around has fallen through.

The council had hoped to transfer the contract to another firm on the same terms and conditions as Connaught, but lawyers advised them not to because the authority could face a legal challenge. Instead, contracts will need to be let on an interim basis of nine to 12 months, while the contracts go out to tender on a permanent basis – a process which could take up to a year.

Liberal Democrat MP Mr Wright said: 'I feel dreadfully sorry that the deal was not viable and is not going to give people back their jobs. It is a great shame this has not worked out as a quick solution.

'In terms of the circumstances around the contract, I think it is absolutely crucial that we have a full, independent investigation of the process around the awarding of the contract.

'The Morrison injunction process raised questions, so there are concerns and it is vital that, rather than brushing concerns to one side, the council carries out this independent investigation.'

The council rejected calls for an independent inquiry last week, although its own scrutiny committee is to review the process by which contracts are awarded.

Alan Waters, cabinet member for corporate resources and governance and chairman of the contracts working party, said the council had done nothing wrong in the awarding of the contract and added the collapse of Connaught was a national problem. When the rescue deal collapsed last week he called for the city's MPs to lobby the government to change the law on procurement processes so public bodies were not tied up in so much red tape.

Mr Wright said: 'I am very keen to hear from the city council on how they feel the process could be improved, because I would be able to discuss those concerns with ministers.'

What do you think of the Connaught contract collapse? Write to Evening News Letters, Prospect House, Rouen Road, Norwich NR1 1RE or email eveningnewsletters@archant.co.uk