An IT consultant is set to earn more than £28,500 for 35 days work -- after writing a report for Cherwell District Council recommending his own appoint- ment.

The money is made up of £24,325 fees, £4,125 VAT and an unknown amount of travelling expenses for a consultant to give advice on staffing matters in the computer services department.

The money will buy the services of LDA plc, an independent IT management company. The move follows the council's information technology best value review.

An LDA consultant was an integral part of the best value review team. One recommendation in the review was for LDA to be retained to help with staffing.

Council treasurer Les Angel said the appointment of the same consultant would provide continuity and an independent approach to the implementations of the review recommendations.

He added that the consultant had a wealth of experience in recruiting the right calibre of computer staff and the IT recruitment market in general.