The opposition Plaid Cymru group in Caerphilly says it may be necessary to bring in an interim chief executive in the wake of the suspension of the authority’s top two officers.
Councillor Colin Mann, leader of the Plaid Cymru group, said that the ruling Labour administration needs to take decisive action at the special meeting of the authority on Thursday.
He said: “I have the greatest respect for Sandra Aspinall, acting deputy chief executive of Caerphilly Council, who has assumed responsibility for leading the authority following the latest revelations.
“However, it may now be time for the Labour administration to consider the option of an interim chief executive until the police come to a conclusion on the matters they are investigating.
“This is not a reflection on Sandra in any way but she is already director of education and is also acting director of the environment in addition to the chief executive role. Other directors are also in acting roles.
“I’m concerned at the workload of the top management and it may well be necessary to bring in some assistance. The Labour leadership needs to act decisively. It is very important that the recent suspensions does not result in a poorer service being delivered to the public – a key duty of the council.”
Quite right, but let us employ a person at a realistic salary for the job. I think around £70,000 per annum would attract some very strong candidates from industry who earn nothing like as much in their current roles.
The council has been handed a golden opportunity for reform of senior officer wage wage rates by the arrest, on fraud charges, of the two top men. I think that further arrests are on the cards and it is a great opportunity for the council to get its house in order. But, don't hold your breath…