A TOP boss of a debt-ridden council is to be paid nearly £175,000 in order to help fix its financial disaster.

It has been revealed that Slough Borough Council’s chief executive Stephen Brown is to earn £174,307 per year, which is the highest point on the chief executive pay scale.

Because of this, he won’t receive a raise or any other increases during his tenure.

Commissioners sent in by the government to help the council to recover believe a lower amount was ‘insufficient for a role as challenging as this’ as the local authority faces a ‘steep path to recovery’.

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However, Mr Brown’s performance and targets set will be reviewed.

Mr Brown was announced as the council’s top boss in October and took over from interim chief executive Gavin Jones. Slough’s last permanent chief executive Josie Wragg was sacked for “gross misconduct”.

Commenting on his appointment at the time, Stephen said: “I’m delighted to be taking on what must be one of the most interesting roles in local government at the moment.

“I’ve been very impressed to see how much good work is still going on, how enthused employees are, and the sheer dedication to serving the residents of Slough.

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“This is a tough and challenging time for Slough, but there is a way ahead, and I am committed to leading the council.”

Slough Borough Council effectively declared bankruptcy last year after it realised it accumulated £760m borrowing debt following years of accounting errors and poor governance.