Council chief stepping down after 23 years
Leader reckons he has left authority in‘good standing’
STEPHEN BARK
One of Scotland’s highestpaid council officers has announced his decision to retire.
South Lanarkshire Council chief executive Lindsay Freeland will call time on his 23 years with the local authority in September.
Appointed chief executive in November 2011, he had previously worked as head of area services and executive director of housing and technical resources.
Council leader John Ross is pleased that Mr Freeland will leave the council in a strong position.
He said: “I want to thank Lindsay for his outstanding service to the council.
“As the recent Best Value Audit Review of the council clearly showed, he leaves the council in very good standing.
“I am very grateful for the support he has provided the administration and me as council leader over the last two years.” On his retirement, Mr Freeland said: “I feel privileged to have been able to lead this fine organisation for so many years.
“I have worked alongside some terrific people and I feel that, together, we have made a real difference to improve the lives of local people.
“I wish everyone here the very best as they face the challenges and opportunities ahead, and I know that the council is well placed to meet both.”
The local authority came in for criticism last April after it was revealed that the chief executive earned over £200,000 a year.
Mr Freeland was the highest paid local authority chief executive in Scotland, according to the TaxPayers’ Alliance Town Hall Rich List.
That revealed Mr Freeland earned a base salary of £180,862, rising to £214,102 with additional payments.
His base salary was higher than First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s £135,605 pay packet, as well as then Prime Minister Theresa May’s £150,000 package.
The full sums include pension contributions, bonuses, expenses and other payouts.
However, the council said the Scottish Parliament elections and European Union Referendum – which all took place during 2016/17 – played a part in Mr Freeland’s remuneration.
I’ve worked with terrific people and feel together we have made a real difference to improve the lives of local people