County row over chief exec cash

4:23pm Wednesday 26th September 2007

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COUNTY council bosses have come under fire for refusing to reveal how much taxpayers' money is being spent on recruiting their new chief executive.

Lancashire County Council has signed a deal with a firm of headhunters in a bid to fund a replacement for Chris Trinick, whois leaving when his contract ends in May.

The company, London-based Saxton Bampfylde Hever, describes itself as "one of the UK's leading executive search firms" boasting a team of expert researchers to help fill top positions.

But the amount of money paid to the firm to help fill the £190,000 vacancy is being kept secret.

Lancashire County Council has said the consultants were contracted in July, 2006, to recruit for a number of senior leadership posts, including the chief executive.

A spokesman for Lancashire County Council said: "Releasing details of the contract terms and price agreed with the recruitment consultants would not be in the commercial interests of either the council or the consultants."

Christine Melsom, founder of the Is It Fair? campaign, which is calling for council tax reform, said: "I know Hampshire County Council spent a total of £2million last year on advertising for council jobs.

"I think it that is an outrageous amount of money and taxpayers should be aware the how much money council spend on recruitment.

"They spend silly money and they must cut it down."

Saxton Bampfylde Hever said they could not comment.

County councillor for Ribble Valley South West, Chris Holtom, said he supported using consultants to find the right man for the job but said the council should reveal how much is being spent.

He added: "I am concerned to know how much taxpayers' money is being spent on this."

The successor to Mr Trinick will be paid £190,000 over a five-year period.