COUNCIL chiefs have refused to provide information about the total cost to the taxpayer surrounding a departing top officer given a £110,000 pay-off.

Cath James, a former strategic director for environment at West Oxfordshire District Council, was paid the money as part of a compromise agreement when she chose to leave her job.

The council has said it is unable to give details of the agreement.

Compromise agreements mean a further claim cannot be brought through the courts or tribunals, which can be open to the press and public. They can be signed if the employee believes they have been discriminated against on grounds of sex, race, religion or disability.

Non-payment of wages, unfair dismissal, a failure to recognise employment rights or breach of contract can also be reasons for agreements being signed.

The £110,000 payment was revealed in council documents, but it has not been revealed if there were extra costs to the deal, such as the council’s or Ms James’ legal fees.

When asked if there were any legal costs or if Ms James will be paid a pension, council spokesman Clare Maloney said: “I am afraid we cannot make any further comments.

“To do so would be in breach of the terms of the compromise agreement.”

The £110,000 payment came to light after an audit of the council’s 2010/11 budget by the Audit Commission found “mis-statements” relating to Ms James’ compensation.

Under the heading “termination benefits”, district auditor Maria Grindley said: “Information was not disclosed for the strategic director who has left the council.”