Gwynedd councillor ‘cleared' outstanding council tax bill
Gwynedd Council initially failed to respond to this request within 20 working days, but has now done so after an internal review was requested and subsequently carried out.
In its response today (July 9), the council declined to disclose the value of the councillor's outstanding bill, or their identity, but said it has 'since been cleared'.
The Chronicle asked the council on March 14: 'Please could you disclose details of any councillors who have unpaid council tax bills, including their names, how much they owe, the duration of the arrears, and what action is being taken to recover the money?'
Gwynedd Council's response today read: 'I can confirm that there was one member with an outstanding council tax bill as at March 17.
'It was not the subject of enforcement action. It has since been cleared.
'The identity of the member and outstanding sum and the duration of the arrears constitutes the personal data of the individual.
'I accept that the base position is that there is a public interest in understanding that councillors pay their council tax.
'These matters will impact specifically and materially on an individual in a way which is particular to them. They are in themselves necessarily personal data about the member and may include other individuals.
'I acknowledge that there is a clear public interest in accountability but that can be tempered by the ability to respond and explain.
'I am satisfied that the circumstances relating to this member and the debt are sufficient to fall within this exception.
'The precise circumstances are necessarily confidential, but I have come to this conclusion having consulted and been informed of the circumstances.'
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