Council defends £700-a-day director

Sarah Tanburn was taken on as interim director of city and environmental services as the council finalises its local plan which dictates where development, including housing, will take place.

She currently works four days a week and is expected to remain with the council until the spring.

Council chief executive Kersten England said such appointments were sometimes needed for particular expertise or to fill a vacancy so that services are not interrupted. She said proper processes were always followed and the need for value for money taken into account.

Conservative group leader Chris Steward said: “Quite frankly, in this day and age there are better and more cost-effective ways to find a talented individual to fill this type of position until a permanent director can be appointed.”