The future of a panel set up to examine the dealings of a controversial business group will be determined by a district council watchdog tonight (Thursday).

As the Herald went to press, members of East Devon District Council’s (EDDC) overview and scrutiny committee were preparing to consider the continued need for a business task and finish forum (TAFF).

The panel was set up in late 2012 to look into the practices of the now defunct East Devon Business Forum (EDBF).

A report to members of the scrutiny committee advises members that the TAFF now focuses on improving engagement between businesses in the region and the district council.

The suggested remit includes ‘learning lessons’ from the previous relationship between the EDBF and EDDC, but stops short of an investigation into the group, which disbanded in 2013.

? Read a full report of the meeting in next week’s Sidmouth Herald.