A red-faced Rowley councillor has apologised for breaking council rules by mistakenly awarding a £3,000 charity grant.

Officials ruled councillor Barbara Price, Sandwell’s Mayoress, overstepped her powers as chair of Rowley Regis town committee when approving the application for cash from the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association (SSAFA) after a meeting on September 4.

Cllr Price authorised the grant after speaking to members of the public – overturning the committee’s earlier decision to refuse the application because the charity is one of two being supported by her husband, the Mayor of Sandwell councillor Bob Price.

Council rules do not allow grants to services or organisations already supported by the local authority.

Apologising for the error cllr Barbara Price said: “I now realise I was wrong to approve the grant and I unreservedly apologise for doing so.

“The reason I did so was that it was clear the overwhelming feeling of the town committee meeting was to award the cash to a very deserving organisation. Given the mood of the meeting, I could not see why the grant should not be paid.

“I was wrong to not declare an interest in the issue at the meeting but was not aware at the time I should do so as I do not personally gain in any way.”

SSAFA is a national charity which provides advice and support to servicemen and women as well the relatives of those who have died during conflict.

Cllr Price, whose son is currently serving in Afghanistan with the 3rd Battalion Parachute Regiment, said she would make a public apology at the next meeting.

She added: “I can only say that SSAFA is a charity which I feel very strongly deserves all our support.

“As Mayoress, I intend to re-double my efforts to raise cash for it during my year in office.

“I certainly intended no disrespect to the town committee, the council or its rules and procedures, which I appreciate have to be followed if the authority is to function transparently and democratically.”