£800-a-day temporary Dudley Council chief to remain in post

The appointment of Merlin Joseph sparked controversy last year with opposition councillors concerned about her high salary.

Dudley Council says it has been trying to recruit for the role but the recruitment drive has been unsuccessful so far.

Deputy council leader, Councillor Judy Foster, said that they will seek to have a permanent replacement later this year.

But she admitted the situation would only change if the authority found 'the right candidate'.

Ms Joseph has been taken on as interim chief officer for children's services last year while the council continued its hunt for a permanent member of staff.

It comes as officials await results from an Ofsted inspection carried out on the children's service department at the start of this year.

Dudley Council was told to make improvements within three to six months of an 'adequate' inspection by Ofsted in 2012.

Dudley UKIP group leader, Councillor Paul Brothwood, said the council should be trying to cut the spent on agency staff from five per cent equating to around £6.7 million to around one per cent.

"It is absolutely astounding that she is getting £800-a-day when the council can ill-afford it," he said.

"Both Labour and the Conservatives rejected our budget where we wanted to cut the amount spent on agency staff.

"They should be looking to get someone permanent in this role as soon as possible."

Councillor Foster said: "The care and development of children across the borough remains one of our top priorities and therefore it is essential we find the right person for the role of chief officer for children's services.

"This is an important role in supporting families and keeping children safe and therefore our interim chief officer will remain in post until a permanent appointment is made, which we will seek to do later this year, as long as we are able to find the right candidate."

Ms Joseph's controversial salary came after a major review of management roles was carried out in 2014.

This saw senior management positions cut from 22 to 11 to save £1 million from cash strapped budgets.

Tony Oakman took over the newly created role as strategic director for people services which oversees children's services.

Ms Joseph has been employed from an agency as chief officer to head the children's services department on a temporary basis - paying £800-a-day for her services.