ST HELENS Council has appointed a deputy chief executive – but insists there will be no overall increase in staffing costs.

Ian Roberts, previously assistant chief executive with responsibility for finance, will assume the role. He will also be the director of finance.

Mr Roberts' pay will increase for the added responsibilities, however, the council says there is no increase in costs for their overall management structure, the bill for which was reduced when head of regeneration Bob Hepworth, a chief officer, was not replaced last year.

The move comes against a backdrop of further cuts to the council budgets, with £23m having to be saved over the next two years.

A council spokesman said: "The council’s chief officer structure has been reduced over the last 12 months – following the retirement of director of urban regeneration and housing Bob Hepworth last year."

Mr Roberts will deputise for chief executive Mike Palin when necessary, however, his key duties will include ensuring a strong focus on service delivery and financial management and identifying key priorities against a background of reduced budgets over the next five years.

He has been with St Helens Council since 1977, joining as a trainee accountant. Subsequent roles included chief internal auditor, assistant treasurer and deputy treasurer.

Meanwhile, the council is set to re-advertise the position of town centre manager after failing to find the right candidate in an initial recruitment process over the summer.