A WEST Dunbartonshire councillor has more than £2,400 in council tax arrears, it has been reported.

Freedom of Information releases to the BBC revealed an unnamed sitting councillor owed £2,497 from previous years.

Neighbouring Glasgow had eight councillors owing almost £52,000 between them, with most of that built up in previous years.

The BBC said the total across Scotland of more than £126,000 would pay the salaries of four teachers.

No information was provided on when or how the debts were built up, such as whether the bills were from before the councillor was elected.

The council did not reply to a request for comment before the Post went to press.

Arrears don’t prevent someone standing for election or continuing to serve as a councillor., but the code of conduct for councillors states: “The law makes specific provision that if a councillor is in two months’ arrears with payment of council tax that councillor may not participate in certain decisions concerning council tax issues, in order to preserve public confidence that councillors are taking decisions in the general public interest.

“Whilst you are a member of the community, you are also a representative of that community and of the council to which you are elected. As there is potential for public perception of abuse of position and poor leadership, you must seek to avoid being in debt to the council.”