Arun council boss finally revealed

Nigel Lynn, age 53, currently deputy chief executive of Spelthorne District Council in Surrey, joins Arun at the beginning of October, for a “hand-over” month alongside the man he is replacing, Ian Sumnall, who retires in November.

Mr Lynn’s salary will be £95,000 a year, £5,000 more than a remuneration committee originally set, but allowing for flexibility for the right candidate. He will also be entitled to a relocation allowance of up to £8,000.

His overall package will, however, be almost £25,000 less than Mr Sumnall’s, including payment as the returning officer for elections and his car allowance. Concerns over executive pay in local authorities have led to a downward trend in salaries for new appointments in recent times.

The appointment of Mr Lynn was confirmed by a full meeting of the council on Thursday.

Council leader Gill Brown said the “very extensive” process to appoint Mr Sumnall’s successor had attracted 54 applications, with a short list of five finally agreed. An interview panel of councillors had unanimously agreed to recommend Mr Lynn.

Panel member councillor Francis Oppler said the quality of the five short-listed candidates had been “excellent”.

Mr Lynn would be bringing to Arun a wide range of experience and talents and a “conciliatory” style of leadership.

“It’s going to be great for this authority – a breath of fresh air,” said Mr Oppler. “I’m sure this is going to be one of the best decisions we have taken for the people of Arun, in the coming years.”

Littlehampton Beach ward councillor Dr James Walsh, who sat on the remuneration committee, said he was also “delighted” with Mr Lynn’s appointment.

However, he added: “I was somewhat astounded that we spent £31,000 on the recruitment process. It does seem a lot of money in these straitened times.”

Cabinet member Roger Elkins responded: “I think you will find it was money well spent.”

The council voted unanimously to appoint Mr Lynn.

He said afterward: “I am proud to have been given this opportunity to serve the people of Arun and will ensure they get the best possible service from their council while driving forward the interests of the district.”

Mr Lynn’s responsibilities at Spelthorne include planning and housing strategy, corporate governance, asset management, customer services and communications. Before his appointment as deputy chief executive in 2007, he was the council’s strategic director.

Among the highlights of his time at Spelthorne was the council winning the national award for Best Town Centre from the British Council of Shopping Centres, for the regeneration and pedestrianisation of Staines town centre.

He recently led the regeneration of a deprived ward through the demolition of 150 pre-fab houses, to be replaced with 300 high-quality houses, with new parks, playing fields, a community centre, extra care housing for the elderly and a health centre.

Previously he worked for Bridgend County Council, Maldon District Council, Lea Valley Regional Park Authority, the Inner London Education Authority, and the London boroughs of Tower Hamlets Council and Barking and Dagenham, in departments including tourism, education, libraries, the youth service, economic development and culture.

He has also worked in the private sector and served on various local government bodies.

On his appointment at Arun, Mr Lynn said: “Councils are facing tough times ahead. In a role as challenging as this, I am certain that the council, its managers and staff will rise to those challenges and go from strength to strength.

“I am delighted to have a key role in taking the lead to meet these challenges.”

Mrs Brown added: “Councillors and staff look forward to working with Nigel to ensure we continue to deliver well the services our communities have told us are most important to them while providing good value for money. He will join us at an exciting time as we look to build on the regeneration programmes underway in Bognor Regis and Littlehampton.”

Mr Sumnall retires on November 3 after 26 years with Arun, 20 of them as chief executive.