A cash-strapped council’s plan to replace its chief executive and restructure other top positions at a cost of £25,000 has sparked a row over whether taxpayers’ money would be better spent on protecting jobs and public services.
Conservatives on Darlington Borough Council have questioned whether a local authority of that size even needs a chief executive, claiming there would be “more chiefs… than people on the ground.”
But the ruling Labour Party claims that the proposed restructure is required and said a like-for-like replacement is “wholly unrealistic”.
The council has proposed several new roles within its leadership team following the retirements of key officials including the chief executive Ian Williams, whose present salary is just under £160,000.
Darlington Borough Council chief executive Ian Williams, left, who is retiring
A replacement chief executive is due to be appointed, while a new Assistant Director for Environmental Services and Community Safety, and Executive Director of Economy and Public Protection roles could be created.
A cabinet meeting on Tuesday heard how the new roles would cost up to £25,000 but would be key in achieving the council’s ambitions for Darlington.
However, Conservative members aren’t convinced that the Town Hall jobs are value for money.
“In this day and age, it seems really bizarre that we’re going to put more chiefs into the council rather than people on the ground,” said councillor Jonathan Dulston.
The leader of Darlington Conservatives questioned whether the role of chief executive should continue.
He added: “I don’t believe the size of this council warrants a standalone chief executive. I don’t think the workload is there and this was something you identified years ago. I believe that the next chief executive of this council needs to be a joint role.”
Cllr Dulston warned how advertising for the new roles would look ahead of potential future cuts to council jobs.
The Eastbourne councillor said: “That does not sit well and it’s not consistent with the narrative that you’re trying to make councillors and the public believe, by saying the council’s on its knees, yet you’ve found the money down the couch to invest even more to the top jobs of the council.”
The meeting was told Mr Williams, who also held the role of director of economic development, struggled to balance the workload across the two high-profile roles.
Council leader Stephen Harker said: “It’s really important that we find a chief executive with particular skills in terms of relationships and partnership working, and will successfully achieve the Darlington Council Plan.
“Part of the solution to Darlington tackling inequality going forward is the success of our economic development.”
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News of the changes comes amid a backdrop of rising inequality across Darlington – and the successful candidates have been warned they face a tough task.
The Green Party’s Matthew Snedker said: “They will have to lead in a town where people are poorer and less healthy than 14 years ago. Whoever we get in place will have a huge job to do.
“We also need to recruit, retain, and invest in lower levels as well, and ultimately until local government gets the fairer funding it needs and deserves, we will not be able to do the best for our people.”
