Expenses probe councillor Barbara Sidnell steps down

Published: 27th May, 2011
by PETER GRUNER

ONE of the borough’s most popular councillors has stood down from her job as community crime and safety chief over “irregularities” with her expenses.

Barbara Sidnell, who has five children, is alleged to have claimed money for a childminder for her then 15-year-old son throughout the 2009/ 2010 financial year – even though the cut-off age is 14. 

Cllr Sidnell, 55, who has fervently fought on behalf of Finsbury Park ward, has apologised and said she made a mistake. 

However, she will now be investigated by the Standards Committee.

An Islington Council spokesman said: “It appears a mistake has been made and we’ve accepted that. We’re amending our claim forms to make them ­simpler.

“Cllr Sidnell has made clear she will repay the overpayment and has referred herself to the Standards Committee.

“Until this is resolved she has decided to step down from the Executive.”

The council’s members’ allowance scheme allows councillors to claim the costs of caring for dependent relatives while they are carrying out their duties. 

This includes children under the age of 15. 

Cllr Sidnell  claims she mistakenly believed the cut-off age was 16, so continued to claim for her son until shortly before his 16th birthday. 

The issues was pointed out to her last week and she has made arrangements to repay the money, which amounted to £2,646.54.

Opposition leader Lib Dem Cllr Terry Stacy said: “One would hope that after almost 13 years on the council one would know what the allowances rule are.”

Housing campaigner Brian Potter said that someone in the council should have spotted the mistake sooner.