The publication of a long-awaited report into irregularities within the police central works council has been delayed because former police chief Gert Bouman has had a heart attack.

Bouman, 64, was taken ill during a holiday in the US and is being cared for at an American hospital. The report should have been published on Tuesday.

The council resigned en masse last November following criticism of the way the body spent its budget on dinners, parties, champagne breakfasts and image coaches.

The council’s former chairman Frank Giltay was responsible for much of the overspending and is facing charges.

He had the support of former police chief Bouman who has also been investigated for his role in the scandal. On Friday, broadcaster NOS said the final report clears  Bouman of attempting to buy the works council’s support for his police reorganisation plan by turning a blind eye to the overspending.

It does, however, say Bouman failed to properly supervise the works council.