WATCHDOG SLAMS £1M PAYOFF TO CITY CHIEFS

Audit says use of taxpayers' cash by local authority fell 'short of standard

- BY PAUL HUTCHEON

FORMER council bosses have been criticised by a watchdog over £1million of golden goodbye payments.

Audit Scotland said the decisions at Glasgow City Council “fell short” of the behaviour expected of public servants.

The Record revealed last year that five senior figures at the local authority left with exit deals without the knowledge of SNP council leader Susan Aitken.

These included former chief executive Annemarie O'Donnell, who received a £357,845 “in year” contribution to her pension.

Elaine Galletly, former legal and administration chief, got a £223,065 pension contribution and £59,971 for “compensation for loss of office”.

O'Donnell agreed to repay money after the row broke.

Audit Scotland, which scrutinises public spending decisions, has probed the payments and issued a critical statement.