A SENIOR councillor has been "reminded of his responsibilities" after a complaint was raised over comments he made during a debate on homelessness.

Cllr Terry Evans, who sits on Wrexham Council's ruling executive board, came under fire earlier this month after he appeared to criticise people in receipt of Housing Benefit.

During a meeting of the council's homes and environment scrutiny committee, the local authority's lead member for economy said: “Good people pay their rent, these sort of people have their rent paid for them.”

His remarks came after he raised objections to having homeless people with addiction issues housed in council properties in his community of Chirk, while some local residents face long waits for social housing.

At least two complaints were lodged against Cllr Evans following the meeting, including one by the vice-chair of the Wrexham Town Centre Forum Andy Gallanders, who called for him to be removed from his senior post.

The council's chief legal officer has now contacted Mr Gallanders, who runs the Bank Street Social coffee shop in Wrexham, to inform him of what action has been taken.

In an e-mail, Sioned Wyn Davies said: “I can assure you that the council does not condone any individual making derogatory remarks in relation to any person, particularly those who are vulnerable in our society.

“Please note that my role as monitoring officer is advisory only in respect of any complaint about the conduct of a councillor and any potential breach of the code of conduct for members.

“In that capacity I have reminded Councillor Terry Evans of his responsibilities under the code of conduct for members.

“You should be aware that formal investigation of complaints against members is the responsibility of the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales, full details as to how to submit a complaint can be found on the Ombudsman’s website.

“Finally I should point out that membership of the executive board is a political matter and that where comments are made by an individual councillor the issuing of an apology is a matter for that individual.”

Mr Gallanders and Cllr Evans have previously clashed heads over the executive board member's track record in managing the economy portfolio.

A number of members of the public also criticised his comments on social media, with at least one making their own complaint.

But the independent councillor has defended the remarks in a response provided to Ms Wyn Davies, claiming they did not reflect the full nature of the discussion held during the meeting.

Cllr Evans said: “My comments seem to have been taken out of context, and if so I apologise.

“I appreciate the situation we are in as a council in providing homes during this difficult period in which the Welsh Government has changed the legislation which now requires local authorities to provide homes for homeless people.

“I have supported this position and I fully appreciate that these are vulnerable people who need proper support from the authorities.

“The comment quoted by the complainant was made in relation to a specific case that I articulated at the meeting, in which an individual had been housed in our community and went on to cause damage to the Co-op store in Chirk and was subsequently jailed.”

He added: “My frustration is that I don’t believe the necessary multi-agent support is in place currently for some people - defined by the council as tenant ready - who are being rehoused in our community.

“The point I was also making at the meeting was that this policy does impact on a significant number of local people who have raised concerns to me about homeless people being given preference over local people.”

However, Mr Gallanders said he wasn't satisfied with the explanation.

He said: “I watched the whole meeting and Mr Evans' excuses don't stick.

“I will now consider whether to take this further with the Public Services Ombudsman for Wales.”