Councillor J. Kent, Leader of the Council, introduced the report which sought agreement to recruit three new Director positions, the Director of Environment and Place, the Director of Children’s Services and a new Director of Commercial Services and Commissioning.

The Leader of the Council advised that £430,000 per year would be saved from the Senior Management payroll and that the Head of Corporate Finance, HR and Legal would gain the title of Director but without any additional pay.

He further observed that although there would be time to say a proper farewell to the current Director of Children’s Services, Carmel Littleton, he wanted to take the opportunity to thank Carmel for all her work in Thurrock.

Councillor Halden felt that Thurrock was in a stronger place educationally because of the work of Carmel Littleton and thanked her for all her work.

Councillor Gledhill, Leader of the Opposition, agreed with the report and felt that it was a positive forward step in the right direction which reduced the excess of pay at the top without losing functions.

Members from all sides of the Chamber commended the work of Carmel Littleton and paid tribute to her achievements in driving forward educational attainment in Thurrock.

Councillor Kent briefly summed up the report and moved the recommendations, which was seconded by Councillor Gledhill.

Upon being put to the vote, Members voted unanimously in favour of the recommendations, whereupon the Deputy Mayor declared these to be carried.

RESOLVED:

1.         To note and approve in accordance with the Council’s Constitution and the Pay Policy Statement:

Subject to the outcome of formal consultation, General Services Committee to make arrangements for the recruitment of a Corporate Director of Environment & Place, Corporate Director of Children’s Services and a Director of Commercial Services and Commissioning; and

2.         The recruitment of Senior Officers.