TWO of the three officers at the centre of the long-standing multi-million pound Caerphilly council pay dispute have agreed a settlement with the authority.

In 2013, three officers – chief executive Anthony O’Sullivan, his deputy Nigel Barnett and head of legal services Daniel Perkins – were suspended following allegations of misconduct, although the charges were dismissed before going to trial.

At the special meeting of the council on Tuesday, the former deputy chief executive has agreed a settlement of £171,000, while the ex-head of legal services will receive £127,000.

Both of their terms of employment with the council have been bought to an end following the decision of the councillors.

A Caerphilly council spokesman said: “It was agreed at a meeting of full council this evening that the employment of the deputy chief executive, Nigel Barnett, and the head of legal services, Dan Perkins with the authority would now end, effective October 31.

“This draws to a close a most difficult period for them, and the council.

“There has been considerable public interest in this uniquely difficult matter and in order to be open and transparent the council wishes to make it known that a financial settlement has been agreed with both officers as compensation for the loss of their employment and on condition that this brings matters to a close.

“In the case of Mr Barnett this payment is for the sum of £171,000 and for Mr Perkins the sum of £127,000. “In both cases, this is considered to be much less than would have been the cost of continuing with a disciplinary investigation by a Designated Independent Person which could well have taken a further 12 months.

“The council does not have the ability to deal with cases such as this as it would in other situations because these officers were subject to statutory protection conferred by legislation and the matter could only be dealt with by appointing a Designated Independent Person as required by the relevant law.

“We would like to make clear that they have fully co-operated with the council during a lengthy preliminary investigation.

“We would particularly like to remind everyone that the criminal charges which had been brought against them, and which have been so heavily publicised, were dismissed by the court and that it would be wrong for any suspicion or stigma attached to that process to remain in anyone’s mind.

“We sincerely wish both of them well for the future.”

Blackwood ward member Cllr Kevin Etheridge said prior to the decision: “I feel we owe the public and apology. I want to apologise to the ratepayers of Caerphilly council.

“I would like an independent investigator from outside Caerphilly county borough appointed to look up the whole process and to look at the whole procedure.

“This has been an extraordinary blight on Caerphilly County Borough.”

“After whatever when the vote goes tonight I would like to ask that an independent officer can investigate the process.”

His ward colleague Cllr Nigel Dix added: “No one has suffered because of that.

“Officers have been spending a lot of time on this.

“Taking time away from day to day council responsibilities.

“I do still feel that there’s a question politically to be asked.”

The situation regarding Mr O’Sullivan had not yet been resolved.