TAXPAYERS are footing the bill for a £630-a-day temp worker who will tell Maldon District Council how to save cash.
The authority has recruited interim director of resources Julie Alderson at a pro-rata rate of £163,800 a year, despite raising council tax and parking charges to save £350,000 in the 2014/2015 financial year.
Ms Alderson began work on August 18 and will earn more than Prime Minister David Cameron.
She made national headlines while working in the same role for Kirklees Council in West Yorkshire, when she topped up her pay by claiming an extra £1,000 a month in expenses. This included her rent, council tax, utility bills, parking fees, meals out and one claim of £11.52 for light bulbs – all while cutting 1,700 jobs at the authority.
But the council says that living expenses are not included and her salary is the "market rate" for interim cover at director level.
Councillor for Southminster Adrian Fluker said: "Compared to the average wage in the district, these salaries are high but we have to accept that first-class people with the right credentials come at a high price. I will be endeavouring to ensure that value is delivered, preferred outcomes are achieved and that those outcomes remain sustainable in the future."
The appointment comes as a new planning improvement consultant has been hired at a rate of £400-a-day to deal with the number of major planning applications the district has received due to the Local Development Plan (LDP).
This year, the authority raised charges at council-owned car parks by 10p following a long battle with campaigners representing businesses and residents.
It also raised council tax by 1.85 per cent in February, citing reductions in Government funding and an "increase in demand for some council services".
Leader Bob Boyce said it is "essential" that the council saves £350,000 before the end of the financial year.
Ms Alderson will be responsible for finance, IT, audits, facilities and contracts, legal and democratic services, human resources and policy. She will also take on the role of the "151 officer", which is a statutory position to make arrangements for the proper administration of the council's financial affairs.
A spokesman said: "Julie Alderson took up the role of interim director of resources with effect from Monday and will work a four-day week.
"Ms Alderson will stay with us until we recruit into the new director of resources role on a permanent basis. Ms Alderson will be paid through an agency.
"The agency charges an all-inclusive rate of £630 per day, which is the market rate for interim cover for a director role."
In a time of major change at the council and the LDP under scrutiny from the Planning Inspectorate, head of planning Derek Lawrence has also handed in his notice with his final day on October 19.
Fiona Marshall, chief executive of Maldon District Council, said they have appointed a new planning improvement consultant to "improve performance".
She added: "It is essential that the council manages those applications effectively in the interests of ensuring the developments follow the plans set out in the strategic master plan documents and that the required infrastructure is provided to meet the needs of the development.
"The consultant has worked in a number of authorities and has been successful in improving the performance within their planning service and effectively managing major applications.
"This provides an excellent opportunity for the council to make improvements to our services for the benefits of our residents and our customers."
The Chronicle requested to talk to Ms Alderson but did not receive a reply.
