As we continue to live in an age of austerity we sometimes have to ask difficult questions. For cash-strapped local councils one question is why do chief executives continue to receive additional payments to act as returning officers?

We are not talking about peppercorn payments. During the recent departure of a chief executive last year it was revealed the chief was receiving £25,000 to act as returning officer for a single set of elections. Overall, it is estimated that over £2m was paid to chief executives in 2016 alone to act in this role.