SOUTHEND’S council boss is to cut his hours and work a four-day week, it has been revealed.

Rob Tinlin, who as chief executive is the most senior paid official at Southend Council, requested to reduce his working week.

A cross-party group of councillors has now agreed to cut it to four days. He will spread out his working hours according to the needs of the council.

The leaders of the three main parties and a senior representative from the Independent group of councillors agreed to the request from Mr Tinlin, who has led the award-winning authority since 2005.

Council leader Nigel Holdcroft, who is chairman of the appointment and disciplinary committee, which agreed the change, said: “This arrangement enables us to retain a well-regarded and highlyeffective chief executive while allowing him a greater work-life balance.”

The change, which councillors insist will have little effect on the council, will come into effect from April.

Mr Tinlin’s £147,000 salary will be reduced to reflect the drop in hours.

He has already slashed his own pay from £184,209 in 2009/10, before the further reduction from next year. The saving will be used to help balance the books next year as the council expects a £12million drop in Government funding.

Similar contract changes are becoming more common among senior local government officers as a response to increasing financial pressure and the drive to share more services across traditional boundaries.

There are a number of chief executives across the country already working reduced hours, including some in Essex, such as Bala Mahendran, chief executive of Basildon Council.

Southend Council’s Lib Dem leader Graham Longley said: “Rob is a hardworking chief executive who always works the hours needed to secure the best outcomes for the people of Southend.

“We are confident this agreement will not affect this in any way.”

Ron Woodley, a senior Independent councillor for Thorpe, said: “This reduction is also matched by a reduction in salary costs which will assist in bridging the financial gap facing the council for 2014/15.”

Labour leader Ian Gilbert said: “Under this agreement the chief executive will retain his accountability for the running of the council and his statutory role as head of paid service."