THE £100,000-a-year chief executive post at Ryedale District Council has been filled following agreement by councillors at a meeting last night.

Councillors agreed to the appointment of Stacey Burlet to the new position at their full council meeting at Ryedale House in Old Malton.

The role will be split as part of an "innovative" new arrangement with North Yorkshire County Council designed to make ongoing savings.

In essence, Stacey's new role combines that of chief executive of Ryedale District Council with assistant chief executive of North Yorkshire County Council - and she has also been appointed to the roles of returning officer and electoral register officer for the council.

She has been working at North Yorkshire County Council as a commercial director.

Members at Ryedale District Council all voted for the appointment with one abstention from Cllr Paul Andrews, who complained that members had not had a chance to meet the appointee.

Cllr Luke Ives, chair of the policy and resources committee, said: “We welcome Stacey to our council because she brings with her a wealth of experience at a range of different types of councils.

"I’m confident Stacey will bring these strengths to help us deliver our ambitions for Ryedale."

Ryedale District Council has recently been operating under interim chief executive Clare Slater following the departure of Janet Waggott in May 2017.

The new role has been described as part of a much wider link-up between the district and county councils designed to make savings and improve services - although some have said the move raises the spectre of the councils merging into a unitary authority.

Cllr Carl Les, leader of the county council, said: "This is a great opportunity for North Yorkshire County Council to build stronger links with the districts.

"As well as building on our resources, working together will allow growth and sustainability for Ryedale as well as us.

"I am looking forward to seeing what can be achieved.” 

Stacey Burlet, who will start later in the summer, added: "I’m excited to join a great council which has the residents at its heart and which serves such a special place.

"I am committed to our aspirations for economic growth to create more opportunities for local people and to ensure this is the best place to live, work, do business and visit.

"Working with North Yorkshire County Council will give Ryedale District Council greater opportunities to deliver value for money and improve what we do and how we do it for our joint customers."