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Temporary children's services boss to earn £800-a-day

A temporary chief officer has been brought in to run children services at cash-strapped Dudley Council - at a cost of £800 a day.

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The appointment comes as it emerged the authority has yet to fully address failings highlighted by Ofsted.

Dudley's UKIP group leader has hit out at the high salary - but council bosses say children's services are top priority.

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

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

Councillor Ian Cooper, who oversees children's services, admitted improvements are yet to be fully implemented. He said progress had 'not been as quick as we would expect' in tackling issues highlighted.

UKIP group leader Paul Brothwood has written to Ofsted with his concerns over the department and has also criticised Ms Joseph's pay.

UKIP group leader Paul Brothwood

"When I found out I was stunned at the figure of £800-a-day.

"We are paying out a lot of money and there are still outstanding problems from the Ofsted report three and a half years ago.

"We should sort out a contract for this chief officer that is linked to performance. I will expect a massive turnaround in performance to ensure we get value for money."

Ms Joseph's controversial salary comes after a review was carried out last year.

This saw senior management positions cut from 22 to 11 to save £1 million from cash strapped budgets. Five directors, who are in charge of departments, were replaced by three 'strategic' directors.

Tony Oakman has taken 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.

Dudley Council deputy leader, Councillor Judy Foster, said: "The care and development of children across the borough is one of our a top priorities and therefore it is essential we take our time to find the right person for the role of chief officer for children's services.

"The post is a key support to the strategic director and we have tried unsuccessfully to recruit twice to fill the post, due to a national shortage in this specialist role and our own very high standards we have set for this job.

"In the meantime, we have taken on a highly skilled interim chief officer to drive forward this work and continue with our ambition to make this authority a national leader. We have also extended the contract until a suitable permanent candidate can be appointed to ensure services to children and families are unaffected."

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