In the post of 7 October 2009, we met a jumped-up committee clerk called Mr. Badman who had been employed by Kent County Council.  In passing, I guessed that he had been well paid.

Today we learn of Adam Wilkinson who had been employed as director of environment by the same Kent County Council.  Mr. Wilkinson had tried to struggle by on about £170,000 per year but, alas, his 'work and life balance was not working.'

The problem was that Mr. Wilkinson and his family lived in West Yorkshire; and Mr. Wilkinson found it inconvenient to come and stay in Kent during the week, plus all that travelling at the weekend.

Luckily 'Kent were very supportive' and a solution was found.  No, Mr. Wilkinson didn't move house.

After 12 months in the job, Mr. Wilkinson was paid off with £365,000.  He is now the chief executive of Derby City Council who pay him £160,000 per year. 

I note that, under the government's austerity measures, I shall shortly be required to pay to go swimming with my grand-daughter.  I'm sure none of us will mind making small sacrifices if the savings can be used to improve the 'work and life balance' of people like Mr. Wilkinson.