By Rebecca Maer
The chief executive of Eastbourne and Lewes Councils is to also head up Hastings Borough Council for six months, it has been confirmed tonight.
Robert Cottrill, whose salary at Eastbourne and Lewes is around £145,000 a year, is to replace Jane Hartnell in Hastings, who left three weeks ago “by mutual consent”.
A statement from Lewes District Council and Eastbourne Borough Council said: “Robert Cottrill is to take up an immediate six-month interim role as chief executive at Hastings Borough Council.
“Robert will continue as our chief executive, dividing his time between each authority.”
Eastbourne Reporter was told on good authority last week an announcement confirming Mr Cottrill’s additional role was imminent. However, a Hastings Borough Council spokeswoman told us on Friday: “We cannot give any further comment at the moment.”
Ms Hartnell, whose salary was around £116,000, said in a statement two weeks ago: “I have been honoured and proud to serve the people of Hastings in numerous roles over the 27 years I have worked for Hastings Borough Council.
“I leave the council in very capable hands and look forward to following their achievements and successes into the future.”
The Lewes and Eastbourne statement issued tonight said: “With joint working arrangements between Lewes District Council and Eastbourne Borough Council very well established, in recent times we have also been sharing a limited amount of officer capacity with Hastings Borough Council.
“This new arrangement further strengthens our partnership with colleagues in Hastings and enables the authority to fully consider options for a permanent chief executive appointment.
“Our corporate management team, including Robert, will continue to work across Lewes and Eastbourne, with no other changes to day-to-day operations.”
Arrangements for the chief executive post were discussed by Hastings’ employment committee last Monday.
Mr Cottrill has been chief executive at Eastbourne Borough Council for 15 years and additionally chief executive of Lewes District Council since January 2016.
:: Main photo: Hastings seafront
At that salary no wonder the council doesn’t have any money for toilets!