Cash-strapped Cheshire East is considering paying its next new permanent chief executive up to £230,000 a year – which could mean a total annual cost of £303,833 to the council.

The council is expected to start recruiting for a new top boss soon and councillors will be asked on Wednesday, October 14, to approve the increase for the role, which would see the salary level rise from its current range of between £196,000 and £199,999 to £200,000 to £230,000.

When contributions for employer's national insurance and superannuation are taken into account, the cost to the authority will be between £264,233 to £303,833.

A report to Wednesday's meeting of full council states the increase is necessary because 'benchmarking undertaken with the council's executive search partner indicates that the current salary range of £196,000 to £199,999 is not sufficiently competitive to attract suitably skilled and experienced candidates'.

The report details salaries of other chief execs at north west councils, including Cheshire West and Chester, which is £192,627, and Warrington which is between £182,653 and £188,878.

It says the final recommended salary of the Cheshire East successful candidate will relate to relevant skills and experience and ongoing labour market forces.

If councillors agree to the increased salary, this will add further pressure on the council's finances as it had budgeted for a total £261,827 for the role, including contributions for national insurance and pension.

The report adds: "The additional costs will be required to be absorbed by the chief executive's office in the first instance, and across the council in the second."

Download our Nub News App!

- It’s FREE and available now
- Breaking news notifications
- Your Town in Your Pocket

Cheshire East has been without a permanent chief executive since Rob Polkinghorne left by mutual agreement at the end of May following a six-month absence when the council said he was unwell.

Executive director of adults and health, Helen Charlesworth-May, has been standing in since then.

But a new interim chief exec is expected to be announced at Wednesday's meeting after Paul Walker was selected as the preferred candidate following recent interviews.

Mr Walker has more than 40 years of public sector service and has held chief executive positions at Herefordshire Council and Copeland Borough Council, alongside senior corporate director roles within London local government.

The paper does not say what his salary will be.

The meeting of full council takes place at 11am on Wednesday October 14 at The Tenant's Hall at Tatton Park.