The Department for Communities has been urged to “step in and take control” at Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council after a scathing review found that "leadership is lacking at CEO and senior executive level".
The independent report also identified "fundamental structural governance weaknesses" in leadership at both political and officer level.
The review was launched after a damning extraordinary audit by the Northern Ireland Audit Office last year, which had been ordered by the Department for Communities.
It made eight recommendations including for a council-wide review of governance arrangements.
This was one of three reports discussed by councillors on Monday.
A second review into land and property-related policies has also raised significant questions about those in leadership roles.
Independent councillor Padraig McShane, who requested the audit, urged the department “to immediately step in and take control of the organisation”.
"The current leadership in Causeway Coast and Glens council is evidently not fit for purpose,” he said.
TUV leader Jim Allister, who also called for the audit, said the damning reviews "come as no surprise to anyone who has followed the council over the years".
"Tellingly, both Sinn Fein and the DUP had 'limited engagement' in interviews with those who carried out the review but with report finding that the council displayed 'fundamental structural governance weakness' there are very few places for them to hide regardless."
Independent representative Stephanie Quigley said she was “deeply disappointed” by a failure of the council to take decisive action.
Another independent councillor, Angela Mulholland, said she wanted “to see new leadership in place”.
“Good leadership will lead to good practice and good relationships. That’s the minimum expectation of the people of the borough."
The hard-hard hitting governance report, marked not for publication, concludes that "despite hard work, commitment and dedication, leadership is lacking at CEO and senior executive level”.
It also suggests there is little prospect of change going forward.
The report gathered information from various sources including interviews with staff and elected members but said there was "limited engagement" by the DUP, which has overall control of the council, and Sinn Féin.
