"Concerns raised over Hambleton and Richmondshire council boss" (From The Northern Echo)

"Concerns raised over Hambleton and Richmondshire council boss"

8:00am Wednesday 22nd February 2012 in Northallerton News By Andy Walker

Peter Simpson

A LONG-SERVING council boss was sent home on gardening leave in response to “serious management issues” arising over a period of several months, it was revealed yesterday.

Peter Simpson, the chief executive of Hambleton and Richmondshire district councils, in North Yorkshire, was escorted from Hambleton Civic Centre, in Northallerton, on Friday and put on paid leave.

Hambleton council leader Neville Huxtable said concerns about Mr Simpson, who earns £106,000 a year, had been raised by other members of the senior management team, but did not specify their nature.

Councillor Huxtable paid tribute to Mr Simpson’s work in a meeting of the full council yesterday.

He said: “There are concerns regarding serious management issues, which have led us to this course of action.

“However, I am unable to go into any more detail because of employment contractual arrangements.

“Peter is a Hambleton District Council employee, so this decision was made by Hambleton.”

Coun Huxtable said the Local Government Association would represent the council in talks with Mr Simpson or his representatives in the coming weeks.

Coun Huxtable would not say whether an investigation was under way or whether there was scope for Mr Simpson to return to work.

The Northern Echo understands that Mr Simpson, who has been chief executive of Hambleton council for 15 years, is prevented from publicly discussing the situation by a clause in his contract.

He assumed the role of Richmondshire chief executive in 2009, when the two authorities began sharing services.

Coun Huxtable said: “During his time with Hambleton, he has progressed this council to its present sound financial position and I have valued his guidance and advice during my two years as leader.

“We must not forget Peter’s contributions to this authority and to the shared services work with Richmondshire, which has realised £2.5m in savings and brought us national awards and accolades.”

Coun Huxtable and his Richmondshire counterpart, Coun John Blackie, were adamant that shared service work would continue.

Hambleton’s deputy chief executive, Phil Morton, has been appointed acting chief executive – of Hambleton only – until further notice.

A decision about the equivalent position in Richmondshire will be made today.