Thomas Robinson revealed tax arrears at a council meeting. He will not vote on tax matters to avoid removal and maintain his £700 monthly allowance.
Opposition leaders strongly criticized his presence, feeling he showed complete disrespect for his role. He currently owes £1,803.10 in council tax.
Councillors with unpaid tax bills cannot vote on council tax related issues if they have two months of unpaid bills. They must also declare any tax arrears they have, and it is an offense not disclose the arrears.
Robinson, the Independent member representing the Hummersknott ward, left after his statement. Tory councillors voiced their concerns online too.
They called his actions a “disgrace” on Facebook. He was first elected as a Green councillor in 2023, and this meeting was his first in four months.
He announced his tax debt bluntly to everyone, seemingly aiming to avoid automatic removal. Missing this meant one chance before getting kicked out, also stopping his £700 monthly allowance.
He left early, just to mark his attendance. They feel he showed contempt for the role, and their post concluded his appearance was cynical. He clings to his position to get paid.
Robinson did not respond to requests for comments. He left the Green group in Darlington last October and then became an Independent councillor.
