22.02.19
District council CEO takes early retirement with more than £200k pension contribution
The chief executive of South Cambridgeshire District Council is set to retire from her post at the authority with more than a £200,000 pension contribution.
Beverly Agass, who became chief executive of the council in July 2017, had been working with the new Liberal Democrat leadership team elected in May 2018. However, at a full council yesterday, councillors agreed that Agass will leave the council with early access to her local government pension.
“In order for this to happen, the council will be contributing circa £202,500 into the Local Government Pension Scheme towards the cost of early retirement,” the council announced in a statement.
At the meeting, councillors also agreed interim arrangements for the position of chief executive.
The council’s current director of health and environmental services, Mike Hill, will take up the role on an interim until chief executive is appointed.
Agass said: “I have very much enjoyed my time at South Cambridgeshire District Council. I am proud to be leaving such a fantastic team in place which is so motivated to serve our residents.
“I successfully supported the new administration in defining its programme and initiating the change process to enable that. I believe it is now the right time for me to hand over to a new person to lead the organisation on the next stage of its journey.”
Cllr Bridget Smith, leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, said the council “has an ambitious agenda,” and this will require a change to the way the organisation is structured and led.
“The council’s business plan and detailed budget is being considered and now is the right time for new leadership to manage the implementation phase,” Cllr Smith added.
“I am very grateful to Beverly for enabling this transition. Beverly has had an impressive career in local government and she deserves to enjoy her well-earned retirement.”
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