COUNCIL chief executive Steve Robinson claimed extra payments for his returning officer role three years in a row.
The Chronicle previously reported how the Cheshire West and Chester Council boss gained £45,000 for running this year’s local elections and alternative vote (AV) referendum and almost £13,000 for last year’s general election.
Now a Freedom of Information Act request has revealed he gained £11,963 for running the European elections in 2009. These additional payments are on top of Mr Robinson’s £180,000 salary.
Fees payable for borough and parish elections (£31,952) were paid out of council resources. Those payable for the referendum and European election can be recovered from central Government.
Mr Robinson said in a letter to the Chronicle: “I believe that there are many aspects of the current system governing elections which are ripe for reform. If the fees paid to the returning officers were to disappear, then so be it.”
