£800-a-day Dudley Council worker quits post after 18 months

Merlin Joseph's appointment in Dudley Council's children's services department last year sparked controversy – with opposition councillors questioning her high salary.

Now, after more 18 months in the role, she is set to be replaced by a permanent appointment, with Lambeth Council's interim assistant director for children's services Sue Butcher taking over.

Ms Butcher is being paid £90,000 a year, around £80,000 less per year than Ms Joseph's agency salary.

Ms Joseph started in the post in April 2015 and council chiefs said they have been looking to appoint a permanent replacement since then.

Councillor Ian Cooper, cabinet member for children's services, said: "These have been some of the most difficult times for this authority and we are extremely lucky to have had Merlin Joseph's expertise in this field to help us through those challenges.

"Children's services are in a much better place thanks to her hard work.

"That said, we have always made it clear that we would be looking for someone to take up that vital permanent role as soon as reasonably possible and we are pleased to have appointed Sue Butcher to the role of chief officer for children's services.

"Sue will be working closely with the leadership team at the council to make sure we continue the positive direction highlighted in the post Ofsted report from the Government appointed national commissioner for children's social care, which said the authority was now 'focused, ambitious and creative'."

A report in July found that progress was being made in Dudley's previously failing children's services department.

Government commissioner Eleanor Brazil said the authority had taken steps to improve since being rated inadequate by Ofsted earlier this year.

UKIP group leader Councillor Paul Brothwood said: "I welcome a full-time member of staff that isn't paid on interim or agency rates.

"I think this is a positive step forward in a difficult scenario, with our recent Ofsted.

"However, I've still got severe concerns about our children's services – we have a long way to go."

"Hopefully this new appointment can help the council move in the right direction.

"It is our duty as councillors to hold her to account and make sure the changes that need to happen do happen."