£1200 a day for Cheshire East’s stand in Chief Exec!

You read that right, Cheshire East Council is to pay its new stand-in boss, David Parr OBE, an eye-watering £1,200 a day.

David Parr’s appointment as the authority’s interim chief executive, at a staggering £1, 200 a day, is expected to be approved the the full council next Wednesday,18th October.

£1,200 plus agency costs (£1,380) a day for a five day week would equate to £358,800 per annum – but as Mr Parr will only be contracted to work three days a week may cost council taxpayers just £215,280.

He will take up his new post when the current chief executive Lorraine O’Donnell leaves towards the end of this month.

A report to next week’s meeting says: “David Parr OBE has extensive experience in local government, having been chief executive in three authorities, including former Macclesfield Borough Council.

“David’s partnership approach has delivered many significant achievements and opportunities for the communities he has served, most notably the delivery of the £1.5 billion Mersey Gateway Bridge project and brings valuable experience of all areas of local government.”

He will be contracted at a daily rate of £1,200 plus VAT but agency fees will push the figure up to £1380 a day – plus 20% VAT!

The council report says: “The cost would be in the region of £91,000 if the appointment ran from mid-October 2023 to March 31, 2024. This means that the cost can be met from the existing budget for the post of chief executive.”

Council leader Sam Corcoran (Lab) said: “I’m delighted that someone with David’s experience has been identified as Cheshire East Council’s interim chief executive.

“The chief executive role plays a critical part in us navigating our way through the challenges that local government is facing and enables us to deliver against the priorities that we have for the borough.

“I would like to thank Dr Lorraine O’Donnell, as our departing chief executive, for her work and wish her well in her new role.

“Lorraine’s contribution to developing the organisation we are today has been significant and invaluable. This has been a time of change for Cheshire East Council and Lorraine has been a driving force, supporting and delivering our vision for the borough.

“The work continues to find a new permanent chief executive, and David’s leadership in the interim, will help us in the next stage of our journey, seizing new opportunities and meeting the challenges that we have ahead of us.”

Deputy council leader Craig Browne (Ind) said, “I’m pleased to support the recommendation of David’s appointment, to full council. He is an experienced leader with a track record on making a difference across Cheshire and Halton.

“His local knowledge will be a great asset while he supports us as the interim chief executive.”

Cheshire East is currently recruiting for a permanent chief executive who will be on a salary of between £170,000 and £190,000.