Council Reports Higher Cost for Chief Executive Payout

A council has reported that the total cost of a payout to its former chief executive has risen to £280,654, up from an initial agreement of £209,000 two years ago. The increase of £71,000 was noted in the council's accounts. A member of the Plaid opposition group said the final amount was unexpected and likened it to a lottery win.

Background on the Departure The chief executive was appointed in 2018 and received a salary of £148,773 in 2022-23. She went on sick leave in November 2023 and was later found fit to work in January 2024. After returning, she raised concerns about working relationships and trust. The payout was agreed during a closed council meeting, with members instructed not to disclose details.

Cymru opposition members said they were not informed of the final total and described the increase as a shock. One member noted that people facing higher council taxes would be surprised by the amount. The council stated that the matter was agreed by full council and that costs are detailed in its accounts.

It said it would not comment on individual employment cases. Following the departure, the former chief executive took senior roles at two other councils and was later appointed chief executive of the Disused Tips Authority for Wales at a salary of £120,000.