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Housing Solicitors

First conviction under Localism Act (31 March 2015)

Date: 31/03/2015
Duncan Lewis, Housing Solicitors, First conviction under Localism Act

A former leader of Dorset County Council has become the first person to be convicted under the Localism Act for voting on housing policy while having a pecuniary interest in a housing association (HA).

Bournemouth Magistrates' Court heard that 72-year-old Spencer Flower had claimed his involvement as a non-executive board member for Synergy Housing was not relevant to a debate in 2013 over the future of housing in East Dorset.

Online social housing publisher 24Dash.com reports that Flower voted on East Dorset's core strategy while a non-executive director at Synergy Housing.

As a non-executive director of the HA, the former Conservative councillor received an annual allowance of around £5,000, the court heard.

Although he had declared his interest in the HA prior to the meeting, Flower was found guilty of taking part in the vote “without reasonable excuse” despite his pecuniary interest.

Judge Stephen Nicholls recorded that Flower should not have participated – or voted – at the meeting on the East Dorset core strategy document.

Flower was given a six-month conditional discharge and ordered to pay £930 in costs.

Cllr Flower will be allowed to remain in public office.

After the hearing he said he was “surprised and disappointed” that the court had found for the prosecution “on a technicality”.

Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors

Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise social housing tenants and housing association tenants a wide range of housing matters, including:

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Duncan Lewis is also a leading firm of Legal Aid solicitors.

For expert legal advice on housing matters, call Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 020 7923 4020.


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