A HIGHLY-PAID council director is earning an extra £6,000 for 36 days’ work a year.

Merran McRae – who works full-time as Kirklees director for well-being and communities – is also a non-executive director for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

Ms McRae, who is believed to earn a six-figure salary at the council, is overseeing controversial cuts to adult social care.

Some 11,000 vulnerable adults are having their needs re-assessed as Kirklees looks to reduce spending from £94.8m to £88.9m.

Ms McRae also works three days a month for Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust – which is responsible for St James’s and Leeds General Infirmary.

She is paid £6,400 a year in her role as non-executive director.

A Kirklees spokesman said this week: “Merran’s post at the trust fits Kirklees and Leeds and supports her development and directorate role in leading joint initiatives with NHS Kirklees and transitional work with them and other health partners.

“The time given, for example training, preparation for meetings and board attendance is given in Merran’s own time – both outside working hours and through use of time in lieu and annual leave.

“Kirklees does not fund any time needed to fulfil this role, but the chief executive has approved her involvement, sees the benefits for the council, and realises it is a valuable networking opportunity.