Job axed as transport chief retires
One of the highest paid public sector jobs in a Black Country borough is set to be scrapped under cost saving measures, the Express & Star can reveal today.
One of the highest paid public sector jobs in a Black Country borough is set to be scrapped under cost saving measures, the Express & Star can reveal today.
Sandwell Council's planning and transportation director, Robert Lee, retires this month from his role, which earned him between £96,541 and £101,687 annually, after more than 40 years service.
His post is to be replaced with a head of service, saving the council £25,000 a year.
The council has also found a new permanent candidate to replace Steven Gregory, who left his £100,000 a year post as executive director of urban regeneration in mysterious circumstances last year.
The changes have been brought about following the retirements of finance chief Lynda Bateman and Mr Lee.
Jan Britton, currently Sandwell Council's head of highways and environment, will take over from Mr Gregory.
Mrs Bateman had been doing his job alongside her own in an interim role ever since he retired last October.
It is planned that Stuart Kellas will eventually become executive director of finance and corporate services while Mr Britton will become executive director of urban regeneration.
The pair will earn between £109,873 and £115,873 a year.
Mrs Bateman earned £140,000 a year, slightly more than council chief executive Dr Allison Fraser's £139,461 a year.
Sandwell Council's cabinet member for regeneration and transport, Councillor Bob Badham, said: "Mr Britton will take on the post currently held by Lynda Bateman in an interim capacity.
"This post was previously held by Steve Gregory. This represents no increased cost.
"The post of director of planning and transportation is being deleted and replaced with a head of service post, representing a saving of around £25,000."
Councilor Badham added: "Mr Gregory retired from Sandwell Council – there is no further comment."
Mr Gregory left aged 50 after more than two decades with the council.
He said he was leaving to pursue his interests outside the UK.
The announcement came six weeks after he had been suspended.
As executive director of urban regeneration, he oversaw a range of big money redevelopment schemes including the ongoing £500 million revamp of West Bromwich town centre and the controversial relocation of Blackheath library.
Sandwell Council is currently undergoing a job evaluation exercise which will see wages of all 10,400 staff reviewed.
More than 5,000 council staff are expected to see wages stay the same or increase and individual employees are all being sent letters to explain their settlements.
About 1,400 council workers are expected to lose money under single status.
