Ernie Clark. Hilperton Division, Wiltshire Council.

As the saying goes 'I didn't see that one coming'.

There was a surprise announcement during the full council meeting today.

Whilst answering one of my questions to her, the Leader of the council stated that the Chief Executive had decided to forego his salary increment increase this year.

The increase is a part of his contract of employment and it was, in my opinion, a gesture that shows he is prepared to accept a share of the hardships that staff are enduring at the council.

The news was greeted with a round of applause from councillors and Mr. Kerr will be several thousand pounds out-of-pocket for his gesture.