Council CEO's Payout Revealed
A council that initially agreed to a £209,000 payout to its chief executive two years ago has disclosed that the total cost has now risen to £280,654.
Christina Harrhy had been absent from her role at Caerphilly Council for nearly a year due to a "confidential employment issue" when the £209,000 settlement was reached in October 2024.
Opposition Reaction
Blaenau Gwent Caerffili Rhymni MS Lindsay Whittle, who led the Plaid opposition group at the time of Harrhy's departure, expressed his astonishment at the total payout cost, which increased by £71,000. He likened the payout to "a lottery win."
"People struggling with cost of living and higher council taxes will rightly be shocked," said Whittle, noting Harrhy "was the second chief executive to leave Caerphilly with a 'massive pay-off'."
The council stated it was inappropriate to comment on individual cases but confirmed the payout cost was included in the council's accounts.
Opposition Leader's Comments
Plaid Cymru opposition leader Charlotte Bishop described the increase as "a revelation" and "a shock… because we were not informed of the final total cost."
"Given the public interest, I would have expected to be informed rather than having to rummage through the council’s lengthy statement of accounts," she said.
Background on Harrhy's Tenure
Harrhy was appointed chief executive in 2018 and earned a salary of £148,773 in 2022-23. She went on sick leave in November 2023.
After being declared fit to work in January 2024, it is understood that she raised concerns about working relationships and trust involving Labour leader Sean Morgan and a senior officer.
Details of the Settlement
The payout was agreed during a confidential council meeting, where members were warned that disclosing details of the settlement could breach the authority's code of conduct.
Previous Chief Executive Payout
Whittle also highlighted that Harrhy was the second chief executive to leave Caerphilly Council with a substantial payout. In 2021, the council gave former chief executive Anthony O’Sullivan a £97,500 payout after he was dismissed amid a pay dispute and had been on paid gardening leave for several years.
Council's Statement
The council reiterated that it would not comment on employment matters relating to individuals but confirmed that the matter was agreed by full council and the costs are clearly detailed in the council’s accounts.
Harrhy's Subsequent Roles
Following her departure from Caerphilly Council, Harrhy served as a senior officer at Blaenau Gwent and Torfaen councils.
Earlier this year, she was appointed chief executive of the newly-formed Disused Tips Authority for Wales by the then Labour Welsh government, a role with a £120,000 salary.
