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a)   
That Council appoints Claire Edwards, Assistant
Director of Finance and Accounting, as interim Executive Director
of Finance & Performance and Section 151 Officer, with effect
from 3rd of June 2024, pending the permanent appointment to the
role and statutory Section151 designation.
 
b)   
That Council agrees that Claire Edwards be paid in
accordance with the council’s agreed pay policy, at the first
spinal column point of Band 16 of the NNC pay structure, equivalent
to £140,683 per annum, for the period of the interim acting
up arrangement.
 
Reasons for Decisions
·        
Under Section 151 of the Local
Government Act 1972 local authorities are required to make
arrangements for the proper administration of their financial
affairs and appoint a Chief Financial Officer, also known as a
Section 151 Officer, to ensure fiscal/financial decision making;
promote and maintain high standards of conduct and report any
instances of maladministration.
·        
The duties of the role of Executive
Director of Finance and Performance (S151) are also critical for
the effective fiscal/financial functioning of the Council.
Therefore, the recommendations within this report ensure that the
Council will continue to comply with its statutory, financial and
legal obligations.
 
Alternative Options Considered
·        
The Council could have decided to
appoint a suitably qualified interim/consultant to fulfil the
Executive Director of Finance and Performance and S151 designation,
however, the recommended option will ensure stability, continuity
and will be the most cost-effective solution.