Martin Ford 25 July 2023

Northumberland exit payments were unlawful

Northumberland exit payments were unlawful image
Image: Ann Rodchua / Shutterstock.com.

Six severance payments totalling more than £1m made by Northumberland Council to senior officers were unlawful, the council’s section 151 officer has concluded.

Jan Willis has been examining eight exit packages dating back to 2017, having already issued a section 114 notice in May last year after finding expenditure was likely to be unlawful.

In a report to the council’s audit committee this week, Ms Willis found six severance payments to chief officers were ‘not subject to scrutiny’ or approval by councillors.

The payments amounting to £1.1m were made to five managers, a chief information officer and director adult social care.

Ms Willis said during her investigation the 'evidence trail [was] mostly absent and opaque at best’ and there were 'not good prospects’ for recovering payments, according to legal advice.

To continue reading visit The MJ (£).

If this article was of interest, then check out our feature, 'Preventing future Section 114 notices'.

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Head of Democratic Services, Elections & Monitoring Officer

Harborough District Council
Grade 12 £67,236 – £71,223 plus £3000pa Statutory Officer Allowance
We are looking for an accomplished and proactive leader for our vacant post of Head of Democratic Services & Elections Market Harborough, Leicestershire
Recuriter: Harborough District Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
£35,412 - £39,152 (pre-progression) / £40,777 - £45,091 (post-progression)
We are looking for social workers who have completed the assessed and supported year in employment to join our Families First teams, working with our Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Social Worker

Durham County Council
Grade 9 £35,412 - £39,152 (Pre-Progression) / Grade 11 £40,777 - £45,091 (Post-Progression)
Are you a nurturing social worker passionate about supporting parents so that children can remain with their birth family?     This could be the right Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Administrative Officer

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £25,583 - £26,824
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Administrative Officer to join our busy, friendly team, supporting Children and Young People’s Services. 1 x Spennymoor
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Lunchtime Play Worker

Durham County Council
£24,796 pro rata
Lunchtime Play Worker Grade 1 £24,796 pro rata Part Time - 6.25 hour per week, Monday – Friday
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner