TAXPAYERS could be forced to fork out a £200,000 “golden parachute” for Tendring Council’s top three officers, if they are made redundant within months.

A confidential report, seen by the Gazette, reveals the move is part of a cost-cutting cull of senior staff, which could save the council £96,161 a year.

But the council’s three highest-earning officers could be handed a total of £194,379 in early release costs.

Chief executive John Hawkins, who earns more than £120,000 a year, would receive a settlement of £73,201.

Deputy chief executive Roy Coulter and assistant chief executive Roger Stewart, who earn more than £100,000 each, would pick up £62,201 and £58,687, respectively.

Susie Squire, political director of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, criticised the council for considering the payments, while many taxpayers are struggling.

She said: “I think it’s good they are downsizing on senior and middle management and their sky-high costs, but the redundancy payments seem very high.

“The cost to the taxpayer could have been drastically reduced with better planning, and if they had less costly employees in the first place. Council taxpayers are facing an uncertain economic future and will be angered at golden parachutes for council staff.”

Neil Stock, leader of Tendring Council, confirmed it is considering a report entitled Fit for the Future.

He said: “We are looking at making sure the management structure of the council is fit for the future, and we will be considering various options.

“Those options do refer to existing members of staff and their careers, so it would be inappropriate for me to comment in any detail.”

The current management, made up of Mr Hawkins, Mr Coulter and Mr Stewart, could be replaced by a new chief executive and three new executive directors on a new salary grade.

Council workers’ union, Unison, said it thought the savings were too low and it would “result in staff savings being made further down”.

Nigel Brown, Tendring Council’s communications manager, said the report dealt with “sensitive staffing issues”.

He added: “It is not intended for publication and, therefore, the council will not

TIMETABLE FOR CHANGE

ROY Coulter and Roger Stewart would leave their posts as early as February 28, 2010, according to the report.

But John Hawkins, who is also the council’s returning officer, would stay in his position until after the General Election, which must take place by June 3.

The report calls for current heads of service, Martyn Knappett and David Appleby, to take up two of the three executive director roles, and finance chief, Karen Neath, to head up the newly-merged financial and corporate services.

Chris Kitcher, acting head of environmental services, would be offered the role on a permanent basis.

It is expected the new chief executive would carry out the second phase of the review and would also appoint the third new executive director.