councillor working for direct partner company

Question

Can an elected councillor be a paid support worker employee for a service provide that works in direct partnership for the council they represent?  This being a looked after children provider in which the children live and supported by the support worker.

Answer 1

Without knowing the exact details it is difficult t assess an answer. Providing that full declarations of interest are made at every point of involvement of parish council and company regarding interaction then I see no problem. Check the council standing orders and code of conduct.

Answer 2

Does working in partnership mean that the Council is paying the provider for a service? It is unusual for a town or parish council to commission services of this nature.

Comments

it is a borough council tender for looked after/care children.  In direct partnership and yes be paid from the council to provide the service.

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In effect therefore the councillor is a paid employee of a contractor of the council?  If so, then there is nothing to prevent this but most councils have adopted a code of conduct which requires the councillor to declare an interest in any discussion relating to the contractor/service and withdraw from any vote relating to the contract.

Answer 3

I confess to being confused by this enquiry.  Does it have anything to do with parish/town councils?

Comments

no it is a borough council

Answer 4

I worked at a charity once (funded by the council) where the Chief Executive was also the leader of the town council. He used to do all his council business from the office as well. So yes it is possible