New Chief Executive for District Council

Copyright NNDC

A man who grew up in North Norfolk and attended school in North Walsham is to be North Norfolk District Council's new Chief Executive.

He is Mr Philip Burton - presently the Chief Executive of East Hampshire District Council - and he will take up his new appointment in the autumn.

A married man, Mr Burton, 48, began his career in local government housing in London, and then moved to Chichester District Council, where he was Director of Community Services. He has held the top post at East Hampshire District Council since 2000.

"I am very much looking forward to joining North Norfolk, and I relish the prospect of new personal challenges and the opportunity to move back to the area where I was born and grew up," said Mr Burton. "Although my career to date has been spent in London, West Sussex and Hampshire, my family ties and love of Norfolk have ensured that my wife and I have been frequent visitors to the county over the years, and I have been able to keep in touch with changes and local issues.

"The first thing I want to do when I arrive is spend time getting a real feel for the Council, the local communities and their priorities and needs. Local government will continue to face many challenges over the next few years, and my aim will be to work with councillors, staff and partner organisations to tackle those challenges, and to build on the Council's existing reputation for delivering good quality services to North Norfolk's residents, businesses and visitors."

Mr Burton will be taking over from Bruce Barrell, who will be retiring after nine years as North Norfolk District Council's Chief Executive. Mr Barrell began his career in local government finance 42 years ago when he joined Chelmsford Borough Council as a trainee accountant. After working for several district and borough councils, he joined North Norfolk as Treasurer in 1984.

Mr Barrell, who was an honorary auditor to SOLACE (Society of Local Authorities Chief Executives and Senior Managers) for several years, is looking forward to his retirement, and hopes, after pursuing his many other interests, to travel more and visit his son and daughter who now live in Australia and Uganda.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my career with North Norfolk District Council," said Mr Barrell, "and I hope Philip Burton will find the post of chief executive here as exciting and challenging as I have. He will have some excellent and committed officers and councillors to work with, and I wish him every success."