FridayOL

Peterborough City Council is facing questions after it emerged that a significant sum of £9,000 was paid to its former finance chief, Cecilie Booth, during a 47-day period following her departure. This payment has sparked debate regarding the council's financial management and the justification for the expenditure.

Booth, who held the position of Executive Director of Corporate Services and Section 151 Officer (CFO) – effectively the council's chief financial officer – joined Peterborough in January 2022. Her role encompassed overall responsibility for the council’s finances, and she commanded a salary of approximately £175,000 annually.

The controversy revolves around the period between her departure at the end of March 2025 and the payment made shortly thereafter. While councils often have procedures for managing transitions and ensuring financial stability, the scale of the payment – £9,000 for just 47 days – has raised eyebrows amongst local residents and opposition councillors.

According to sources, the payment was linked to her support for a key hotel project. The council has been involved in plans to develop a hotel within the city, a project seen as a potential boost to the local economy and tourism. Booth’s expertise in financial management was deemed crucial for ensuring the project's viability and securing necessary funding.

However, critics argue that the council should have explored alternative solutions or negotiated a different arrangement to avoid such a substantial payment for a short period of service. Concerns have been voiced about the transparency of the decision-making process and whether the payment represented value for money for taxpayers.

“This is a concerning revelation,” stated Councillor [Hypothetical Opposition Councillor Name], a spokesperson for the [Hypothetical Opposition Party]. “While we understand the importance of supporting key projects, the council needs to justify this expenditure and demonstrate that it was the most cost-effective option. Taxpayers deserve to know how their money is being spent.”

The council has yet to release a detailed explanation of the payment, but a spokesperson confirmed that it was made in accordance with Booth's contract and was related to her ongoing support for the hotel project. They emphasized the project’s potential benefits for Peterborough and defended the decision as necessary to ensure its success.

This incident is likely to fuel ongoing scrutiny of the council’s financial dealings and calls for greater transparency in its decision-making processes. The payment to Cecilie Booth serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible financial management and the need to justify all expenditures to the public.

The hotel project itself remains a subject of public interest, with questions surrounding its long-term viability and impact on the local community. As the project progresses, the council will face continued pressure to demonstrate that it is delivering value for money and serving the best interests of Peterborough residents.