BASINGSTOKE and Deane Borough Council has appointed a new executive director of finance and resources.

Following a rigorous selection process, Sue Cuerden was appointed into the role.

A meeting will be held for all councillors next Thursday (December 13) where they will be asked to approve the appointment of Sue to the post, after the retirement of Kevin Jaquest in June this year.

The role is a key one for the borough council, which was named as one of the most financially resilient in the country, as the holder of the post is legally responsible for ensuring the borough council’s financial stability and that money is spent wisely.

Sue will also oversee the council’s £296 million property portfolio – one of the largest of all councils in England - that brings income from rents to contribute 34p of every pound spent on providing services, compared to only 16p from council tax.

The borough council is investing its own resources to deliver on projects like Manydown major housing development and Basing View business area regeneration that will provide a great homes and jobs, as well as bringing in extra funds to help support key front-line services in years to come.

Chief executive of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council Mel Barrett said: “I’m delighted that members of the council’s HR Committee will be unanimously recommending Sue’s appointment to this key role.

“The complexity of the business of the council continues to grow and we are using our significant resources, property and land holdings to invest in key infrastructure, housing and commercial opportunities to further improve the borough for the benefit of our residents.

“It is crucial that we recruit high calibre staff to the leadership team to ensure that we continue our reputation for very strong financial management to put us in the best position to deliver an even brighter future for our area.”

A qualified chartered management accountant with more than 25 years’ experience in local government, Sue is currently deputy section 151 officer for Southampton City Council, a large and diverse unitary authority.

Having helped to drive Southampton’s commercialisation agenda and providing support for the growth agenda, she has also advised on the development of new approaches to housing delivery and a property investment fund, as well as being instrumental in designing and implementing a major reorganisation of the finance service.

Subject to council approval on Thursday, 13 December, it is hoped that Sue will join the borough council early in the new year.