Rochford District Council's new sleaze watchdog cannot do its job because one of its members is no longer "independent."
A new law forced all councils to set up "standards committees" which would keep an eye on councillors' work and deal with any malpractice complaints.
But in Rochford a legal expert has said one of the independent committee members required by the law has links to another council.
Owen Richards works for a health trust which has joined forces with a London borough in an attempt to integrate health and social care operations.
Corporate director of law John Honey is expected to tell the district council that this link means Mr Richards cannot be considered independent.
Mr Honey points out that the law calls for the committee's suspension until another member can be appointed.
It will now cost the council £500 to advertise for another independent member - and a third might also be taken on, to prevent further suspensions.
Published Wednesday October 23, 2002
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