West Sussex Accounts Confirm Six-Figure Pay-Off For Former, Absent, Chief Executive

Thursday, 27 August 2020 16:14

By John Warburton @Warblefly

It's been finally confirmed in official accounts that West Sussex County Council gave its former Chief Executive, Nathan Elvery, more than 200-thousand pounds when he left last November.

In the annual release of data, County Hall confirmed that the total outside Mr. Elvery's basic salary includes 170-thousand-pounds compensation for "loss of employment" and a pension contribution.

More Radio earlier reported that the former Chief Executive left the authority ‘by mutual consent’ back in November after being ‘away from duties’ for the best part of two months on full pay.

The council has repeatedly refused to say why he left his £190,000 per year post.

County Hall reportedly also spent more than £35,000 on legal advice before reaching the settlement.

Mr. Elvery's departure after the extended period of leave while on full salary has been described, by our local democracy reporters, as a situation that did nothing to boost the council’s reputation.

In 2019, West Sussex County Council had already taken a battering after hugely critical reports into its children’s services and fire & rescue services, followed by the resignation of then leader Louise Goldsmith, who hired Mr Elvery.

When Mr. Elvery took up the role of Chief Executive in 2016, his appointment was clouded by controversy regarding a £47,500 payment originally believed to be for him to relocate to West Sussex.

It was later revealed he still owned his family home in Surrey as well as a new flat in Chichester.

According to Mr. Elvery's social media, he is now Managing Director of "Imagine Public Services Ltd.", which describes itself as a "consultancy committed to shaping and delivering innovation and excellence in public service".

The company was incorporated in December 2019, the month after Mr. Elvery's departure from West Sussex, and he is its only director.

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