A Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Governmenthas been drawn into a row over claims that a Telford councillor living in Spain is unable to properly serve his constituents.
Leader of Telford and Wrekin Council, Andrew Eade, this week confirmed that he has been contacted by the Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government over concerns that Malinslee borough councillor Phil Homer may be living abroad.
“I have received correspondence from Caroline Spelman, the Shadow Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government about the issue,” said Councillor Eade.
John Evans, a Randlay resident, wrote to the Telford Journal with concerns about Councillor Homer.
“In this very town, or rather he is not in it for most of the time, a councillor collects his full payment as a councillor for turning up to council meetings six times a year.
“He actually lives in Spain and in fact is required to turn up no more than once every six months.
“He cannot serve his constituents but neither his party nor others raise this issue.”
But Nigel Newman, spokesperson for Telford and Wrekin Council, said Councillor Homer was not breaking any laws.
“If an individual meets the criteria to be a councillor, they continue to as long as they are elected to do so by the people they represent.
“The law requires councillors to attend a minimum of one council meeting every six months, provided they have no other special responsibilities such as a cabinet post or chairmanship or membership of a committee.”
Mr Newman said since April 2009, Councillor Homer had attended six council meetings and taken part in three scrutiny review meetings.
He said Telford & Wrekin councillors receive a basic allowance for their role which last year was £7,403.04 and councillor Homer claimed no expenses during 2008/09.
In an email to the Journal, Councillor Homer, who has been on the council since 1979, said: “I would say that since last May I have been into the council offices at least 50 times. I would say this is more than some others. So not ‘six visits to Telford’.”
He said. “I have always believed being a councillor is about having ideas and changing things rather than simply turning up and saying nothing.”
Vic Tonks, borough councillor for Dawley Magna, said: “Of course I can’t contradict what Phil Homer says. The only time I have seen him is at full council meetings.
“But if someone is living abroad I do feel that there may be nothing wrong in what he’s doing in the legal sense but I think morally you should be in the area.”
Councillor Homer revealed that after serving the council for more than 20 years he will not be standing in the next elections.
He said: “I have said to the Labour party that I will not be standing as a Labour candidate at the next borough and parish elections. Nor will I be standing anywhere else.”
by Chrissy Symmons