Southend Council has voted to overturn a rule banning councillors from voting on an issue they could potentially benefit from...leading to one member walking out in disgust.

Strict rules apply to councillors voting on issues in which they might have a financial interest. Earlier this month the Echo reported how the council could introduce a compulsory licence scheme which would see all landlords sign an agreement with the council to maintain a certain standard of living, as well as agreeing to regular inspections.

Landlords would have to pay for a licence which could be revoked if their properties fell below standards set by the council.

The scheme was proposed by Independent group leader Ron Woodley and voted through to be considered by a scrutiny committee and cabinet.

However, it has emerged seven Conservative councillors were barred from voting as they are all landlords. The seven councillors and another Independent councillor have since asked the council’s standards committee to overturn the rule for this particular issue.

Yesterday, the standards committee granted the dispensation.

As a consequence, the licensing scheme could now potentially be overturned.

Independent councillor Martin Terry told how he stormed out of the standards committee meeting in disgust.

And he is now determined to escalate the issue and complain to the Local Government Association.

He said: “Despite the lengthy debate and strong objections spelt out about the council’s reputation and how this would look to people on the outside, the Conservative dominated committee have granted the full right for its seven landlord councillors to take part in deliberations and vote on a scheme that directly affects their personal finances?! “I’m telling you this is unprecedented. “Residents of Southend will now see a Conservative administration water down a licensing scheme with the assistance of councillors who have a clear financial conflict of interest. I feel ashamed to be associated with this.”

The councillors involved are Independent Brian Ayling and Conservatives Southend mayor Fay Evans, Lesley Salter, councillor responsible for health, Roger Hadley, Stephen Habernell, Jonathan Garston, Floyd Waterworth and Helen Boyd.

The Echo asked Southend Council for a comment, but it was unable to provide one. We tried to call Southend Council leader John Lamb too, but were unsuccessful in getting comments.