It’s hush- hush in council tax probe
Just over half of councillors deny debt
The provost and leader are among the South Ayrshire councillors who have failed to deny owing council tax.
The Post asked all 28 councillors by email if they were in debt to the tune of £ 1,149.
We were met with a stoney silence from council leader Douglas Campbell ( SNP) provost Helen Moonie ( Labour) and other councillors who blanked our question.
We revealed last week how one local councillor had wracked up the amount.
But only just over half - 16 of the local politicians – confirmed they were not in arrea r s. Twelve of them didn’t bother to answer.
Those who failed to respond included SNP councillors William Grant, Ian Cochrane, Peter Henderson, Laura Brennan- Whitefield, Julie Dettbarn and Chris Cullen.
The Post understands Nats were gagged from responding to our request for comment, leading to assumptions it is an SNP culprit.
However, two who did cross themselves off the list were Ayr West councillors Siobhian Brown and Troon’s Craig Mackay.
Experienced Labour councillor Andy Campbell also didn’t reply.
Independents Brian Connolly and Alec Clark denied being behind with the money.
As did Labour’s councillor Philip Saxton, Ian Cavana and deputy leader Brian McGinley.
All of the 12 Conservatives swore they didn’t owe a penny.
They are councillors Ian Fitzsimmons, Arthur Spurling, Peter Convery, Iain Campbell, Martin Dowey, Bob Pollock, Hugh Hunter, Derek McCabe, Ian Davis, Margaret Toner, Lee Lyons and Mary Kilpatrick.
Councillor Saxton said: “The answer is no. I pay by direct debit, so this would never happen.”
Councillor Siobhian Brown said: “Def not me!!”
Councillor Iain Campbell said: “I confirm it is NOT me who is in arrears.”
Local councillors pocket between £ 16, 893 and nearly £ 34,000 a year.
More than 30 councillors across Scotland have historic council tax debt.
South Ayrshire Council has not revealed who the politician involved in the matter is.
But the person can’t vote on some decisions as a result.