Agenda item - Appointment of Acting Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service

Report of the Chief Executive (copy attached).

45.10         The Mayor noted that the report of the Chief Executive had been circulated and was considered to be a mater of urgency in view of the early retirement of the Chief Executive approved by the Governance Committee at its meeting on the 13 January and the need to avoid a gap pending the appointment of a new Chief Executive.

45.11         Councillor Randall stated that the Green Group fully supported the proposed appointment of the Acting Chief Executive; however he wished to move an amendment to recommendation 2.3 of the report, so that the appointment was made on the existing salary of the Director of Strategy & Governance.  He believed that in having regard to the current economic climate and possible redundancies faced by council employees it would not be appropriate to appoint the Acting Chief Executive within the existing salary scale for the post of Chief Executive.

45.12         Councillor Kennedy formerly seconded the proposal.

45.13         Councillor Mears stated that she understood the sentiment behind the proposal, but felt that the Acting Chief Executive would be performing the role of Chief Executive and as such this should be reflected in the level of remuneration given to the post holder.

45.14         The Mayor noted that an amendment had been moved and put the amendment to the vote which was lost.

45.15         The Mayor then put the recommendations as listed in the report to the vote which were carried.

45.16         RESOLVED -

(1)       That Mr Alex Bailey be appointed as Acting Chief Executive and Head of Paid Service pending the appointment of a permanent Chief Executive;

(2)       That the proposed Acting arrangements regarding the roles of Director of Strategy & Governance and Monitoring Officer be noted; and

(3)       That the Acting Assistant Director of Human Resources, after consultation with the Leader of the Council, and  the Leaders/Convenor of the other Groups, be authorised to agree the terms and conditions of employment of the Acting Chief Executive within the existing salary scale for the post of Chief Executive.