A COUNCILLOR will have her attendance record looked at again, after she was counted as absent on a committee she was not part of.

Due to work commitments, Cllr Claire Mills (Conservative – Llanyre) had been told she would be  be replaced on the former Health, Care and Housing scrutiny committee.

But due to a mix up, the paper work to confirm her leaving the committee, was not completed.

And for several months, she was noted as absent despite not being on the committee anymore.

Earlier in June, the standards committee said that they would be asking all 10 councillors with poor attendance records to explain their absences.

These councillors have attendance records worse than the 60 per-cent threshold, between May 15, 2018, and May 17, 2019.

Cllr Mills’ attendance record was noted as 41 per-cent.

Cllr Mills said: “I was horrified and upset as it could mean that people think I’m not doing my role properly. The explanation is a bit complicated.”

Cllr Mills said that she was appointed to the scrutiny committee in May 2018 without her knowledge.

Cllr Mills said: “I was committee and went to a couple of meetings

“It was clear that it would be impossible for me due to my work commitments.

“I told Cllr Aled Davies (Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant/Llansilin) leader of the Conservative Group that I could not continue on it.

“Unfortunately, the request to be removed was acknowledged and accepted but not actioned.”

Cllr Mills has received an email from her group leader, Cllr Davies admitting that the mix-up over her “non-attendance”.

“Aled has apologised,” said Cllr Mills.

Cllr Mills believes that just counting meetings at county hall, does not truly reflect a councillors workload.

Cllr Mills added: “I’m dedicated to my residents, I also have responsibilities as a school governor and representing PCC on the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Authority.

“I’m involved on the Welsh Government Scheme Advisory Board, I am the chairman of the Llanyre Show Committee, attend community council meetings and also attend sessions when possible for Llanyre and Newbridge on Wye Community Speed Watch Campaign.”

“I don’t claim expenses, to do my bit to help the council which is something I’m proud of.”

“The meetings counted don’t reflect what I and others do.”

During a six month period from May 29, to November 22, 2018,  Cllr Mills said that there were 11 committee meetings.

Cllr Mills was able to go to two, and said that she had to take annual leave to attend them.

“The information has been given to Democratic Services but I’m yet to find out how they will proceed,” said Cllr Mills.

A spokesman for Powys County Council said: “I can confirm her record is being looked at and results will go to the next standards committee.”