A controversial ex Kent County Council boss has been
recruited in a job helping public services spend less
cash.

Former chief executive Peter Gilroy was among the highest paid
council chiefs during his time at KCC.

And when his contract was extended for a year he got a
£200,000 windfall.

Now he is to join an innovation board at specialist
consultancy firm Northgate Public Services.

According to the company, which describes itself as public
sector and utilities specialist, the five-strong board will be
campaigning "to get better for less for public services through new
ways of learning".

It recently emerged that Mr Gilroy’s £200,000 windfall payment
actually cost the taxpayer £408,000 taking into account tax and
National Insurance premiums.

In a statement announcing Mr Gilroy’s appointment, Northgate
said the board would help its clients "on the fast track of
continuous innovation".

It said Mr Gilroy was "an innovation pioneer" who had promoted
telehealth technology and focused activities in film and television
as part of the ‘core economy.

The other members of the panel, who are unpaid but will receive
an annual honorarium, are Lord Victor Adebowale, a social
entrepeneur and advisor on public service reform; Ian Birrell, a
creative commentator; Sir David Henshaw, chairman of the Alder Hey
NHS Children’s Foundation Trust and Professor Gloria Laycock, an
international expert on crime and science.