Coun Naylor. Credit: Richmond & Twickenham Times
Printer cartridge limit introduced by Richmond Council after councillor spends “almost £1,000” in 2012/13 printing expenses claim.
Richmond & Twickenham Times reports that Twickenham Riverside councillor Scott Naylor claimed for £928.83 ($1,435/€1,079) on both colour and monochrome printer cartridges between April 2012 and March 2013, leading to Richmond Council introducing a new cap on the amount of cartridges that council members can use annually.
Councillor Tony Arbour, cabinet member for performance and community safety reportedly found the expenditure unacceptable for a single ward member to claim, commenting: “As a result of this I have imposed a limit on members’ annual use to two black and white cartridges and one coloured. This could be varied for justifiable reasons. Councillor are expected to behave responsibly and not waste public money.”
However, Naylor defended his claim by blaming the costs on the “large amount he did within the community”, including his need to “print council meeting documents each time he attends a meeting” as well as printing “plans, consultations, drafts, community ideas and community-led designs when discussing proposals and consultations with residents”.
He commented: “I cannot guess why Coun Arbour simply did not call me. However, I don’t think I have ever had a call from Coun Arbour, or an email, or even a direct conversation really.
“I trust Coun Arbour will pick up the phone next time regardless of whichever party for the best outcomes for the residents and businesses of Twickenham.”
Naylor’s spending was backed by a number of Twickenham-based associations, including Bruce Lyons of the Twickenham Town Business Association, and Perminder Tamana, Chairman of East Twickenham Traders’ Association, who said: “Coun Naylor has been [the] most active, helpful, creative and involved councillor I have ever worked with since the past 28 years I have lived and worked in East Twickenham.
“We must thank him for his interest and efforts in the rejuvenation of the street scene, parking issues and his willingness to meet and discuss issues effecting local businesses and residents. Undoubtedly a small amount of money involved with printing is totally outweighed by the huge feel-good factor that now prevails in our village area.”