16 May Outraged councillor Ivan Henderson faces standards inquiry
BY James Dwan
A CAMPAIGNING councillor who fought against charging elderly falls victims to be picked up has been left outraged after being told he faces a standards board investigation after his actions allegedly brought the council into disrepute.
Harwich councillor Ivan Henderson could face a standards board hearing after a complaint was made against him by Tendring Council cabinet member Paul Honeywood.
The council’s administration had proposed pensioners who need to be helped back to their feet would be charged an extra £25 per year – on top of the council’s monthly £21.60 charge for its Careline scheme.
Mr Henderson fought against the charge – and publicly repeated an incorrect statement made by council finance boss Tom Howard that it would cost £21 a time to be picked up, when in fact it is a yearly charge.
But Mr Henderson, who is leader of the council’s Labour group, said he is now facing a standards board investigation after being told his actions brought the council into disrepute.
“I believe I was just doing the right thing,” he said. “I am surprised and disappointed to find myself under investigation.
“I was pleased that at the end of the day, the full council and the cabinet realised they were getting this wrong and dropped the lifting charge.”
Tendring Council said that the charge was to provide for a new service from specially trained staff as part of a package under its Careline scheme.
The scheme helps more than 3,000 people to live independently in their own homes and sees vulnerable and elderly residents wear a device around their neck, which they can press if they fall to summon help.
Mr Henderson raised the issue of the charge at a Cabinet meeting and after being reported in the Standard, the issue was highlighted in the national press.
It sparked anger across the country and a petition against the lifting charge was signed by more than 80,000 people.
