Early day motion tabled by primary sponsor Chris Mullin (Labour), on Thursday, 8 December 1994, in the House of Commons. It is signed by 26 members in total.

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CONDUCT OF COUNCILLOR RONALD SMITH

That this House recalls that on 3rd March 1994, commenting on the action of a Labour councillor who took part in an estimates meeting while in arrears with his council tax, Councillor Ronald Smith, the leader of the Conservative Group in Sunderland City Council said, 'I think it is absolutely deplorable. To think that he has the audacity to sit on committees and give his view on finances and he's sitting there in arrears. I think it is appalling that he should do that and it is appalling for the leader of his group to allow him to do it. If it was a member of the public, his feet wouldn't touch the ground and they would be exposed, and I see no reason why he shouldn't be exposed...even more so'; is, therefore, surprised to learn that on 22nd June 1992 Councillor Smith was summoned to appear before Sunderland magistrates for non-payment of ??673.35 in respect of non-domestic rates owing on 5 Albion Place, Sunderland; further notes that Councillor Smith took part in the estimates meeting on 11th March 1992, while in arrears; also notes that it is an offence under section 106 of the Local Government Finance Act to take part in council business relating to finance while in arrears of domestic rates; regrets that this section does not apply to non-domestic rates and believes that this loophole should be closed; and finally notes that the Labour group suspended for six months the offending Labour councillor and invites the Conservative Group to do likewise with Councillor Smith.

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Secondary information

Type

Early day motion

Reference

222 

Session

1994-95

Subjects

Councillors Business rates Non-payment

Link

View this Early day motion on www.parliament.uk