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Iain Archie Macneil from South Uist owes a council tax debt to the comhairle for two houses.

 

The outstanding sum of £14,446 was run up before he stood for election as councillor for the Barraigh, Bhatarsaigh, Eiriosgaigh agus Uibhist a Deas ward in May.

 

Some 30 councillors in Scotland are in arrears but Mr Macneil has run up the highest figure.

 

Under the law he is banned from voting over setting the islands’ council tax rates.

 

The Local Government Finance Act says councillors with arrears over two months can be fined up to £1000 if they vote on any question regarding setting the level of council tax.

 

Mr MacNeil said: “Over the years a number of unfortunate circumstances have arisen that have been very difficult for me and my family and have contributed to this situation.

“However, I fully appreciate that this is not a legitimate excuse.”

He added: “I am committed to paying the arrears in full and have arranged for deductions to be made from my comhairle salary.”

A comhairle spokesperson said: “The comhairle’s normal debt recovery procedures are being followed.

 

“While we would never discuss individual cases, councillors in arrears are treated no differently to any other resident.”

 

 

Council tax arrears councillor restricted from voting

16 August 2017

Cllr Iain Archie Macneil

An island councillor is banned from voting on council tax issues until he pays off his own arrears of over £14,000.