A Kirklees Council health boss is set to take over the running of an NHS service on top of his council duties.

Richard Parry, who joined the council last year to lead the public health and adult social care department, will also become the chief executive of North Kirklees Clinical Commissioning Group (NKCCG).

It has been revealed he will do both jobs yet receive no more pay.

The current chief executive of the CCG, Chris Dowse, earns more than £115,000. She is retiring at the end of the month.

Mr Parry is one of only seven Kirklees executives earning more than £100,000 on a salary of £124,313.

A spokesman for Kirklees Council said: “Richard will continue to be employed by Kirklees Council, with North Kirklees CCG contributing towards the cost of his employment including his salary.

“His current salary will not change even though he is taken on greater responsibilities.

“This new dual role will build on the existing work that takes place between the two organisations and with other local healthcare organisations.

“This will ensure that there is a more joined-up approach to health, public health and social care services for the benefit of people living in North Kirklees.

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“This is an important combined role, one of the first of its kind, which will strengthen the partnership work we do now and in the future to the benefit of local people.”

NKCCG controls the budgets and health policies of most of the NHS care in its area, apart from Dewsbury hospital.

Dr David Kelly, Chair of North Kirklees CCG Governing Body, said: “Members of the governing body are looking forward to working more closely with Richard and I am delighted that we have been able to secure him for this important post.

“He has significant experience of working with the CCG already and this new role will complement his current responsibilities and help us to move forward with plans for greater co-ordination of health and social care services across Kirklees.”

Commenting on his new role, Mr Parry said: “Bringing our health and social care services closer together is essential if we are to provide the best possible care and support for local people.

“Having an integrated leadership approach across both organisations, will help transform how we deliver community care services together now and in the future.

“The aim is to provide seamless access to the services that support local residents to be happier, healthier and to live independently in their homes for longer.

“This is something that I have a strong personal commitment towards and I know both the council and the CCG share my determination to make work.”