Caerphilly Council’s chief executive, Christina Harrhy, is set to receive a settlement of over £200,000 following an absence from her role that has lasted almost a year. The council confirmed her departure after a “special meeting” was held earlier this week to discuss her position. Harrhy has been away from her role since November 2023, initially due to sickness. Despite being deemed fit to work in January, she did not return after raising concerns related to Labour leader Sean Morgan and a senior officer, as reported by BBC Wales.
The council’s pay policy for the 2024/25 financial year indicates that the chief executive’s role holds a spot salary of £153,111. During the meeting, a majority of councillors voted in favour of a settlement amounting to £209,000 rather than opting for a more extended and costly formal investigation or arbitration process. Councillors were cautioned not to discuss the matter with the press, with Harrhy not present at the meeting. Council leader Sean Morgan left the meeting after declaring an interest in the issues under discussion.
With Harrhy absent for several months, her deputy, Dave Street, has been stepping in during council and committee meetings, as well as serving as the returning officer in May’s police and crime commissioner elections. Street will now take on the role of interim chief executive as the Council contemplates the next steps regarding permanently replacing Harrhy. A council spokesman stated, “A special meeting of Council took place on Monday 7th October to discuss a confidential employment issue. It would not be appropriate to disclose the details of the meeting.”
That brings an end to the news that the Council chief executive of Caerphilly, Christina Harrhy, will be receiving a significant settlement after being absent from her position for almost a year. The details of the settlement are substantial and raise questions about the circumstances surrounding her departure. The Council will now focus on appointing a new chief executive to fill the vacancy left by Harrhy.