Title

Kat Hulatt, Norfolk CC's director of legal services and monitoring officer, has been appointed as the authority's interim chief executive.Council leader, Cllr David Bick said: ‘I have every confidence that Kat will help us to deliver our agenda in the next few months, until we have recruited to the permanent position.'Hulatt has worked for Norfolk for five years and previously worked for Milton Keynes Council as head of legal services. Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority has appointed Tom Bousfield as executive director of transport.He has joined from the South Yorkshire Combined Authority, where he serves as executive director and has previously held roles at the No10 Policy Unit and National Infrastructure Commission.Chief executive Rob Bridge said: ‘Tom's appointment marks a significant step forward for the region. His blend of national transport expertise and regional leadership experience will be instrumental in delivering a transport system that supports our economic ambitions, strengthens connectivity and improves everyday life for residents.' The Special Interest Group of Municipal Authorities (SIGOMA) has announced its new leadership team.The body will be chaired by Middlesbrough mayor Chris Cooke after former Barnsley MBC leader Sir Stephen Houghton stepped down from the role in May.SIGOMA members also elected Cllr Graham Morgan and Cllr Nadine Peatfield, respectively Knowsley MBC and Derby City Council's Labour leaders, and Durham Council's Reform UK leader Andrew Husband as vice chairs.Mayor Cooke said: ‘Looking ahead, the reality is that many councils continue to face significant financial pressures, particularly in areas with the highest levels of need. The challenge now is to ensure that the progress we have made is protected and developed further into lasting, sustainable reform.' Medway Council leader Cllr Vince Maple has been elected as chair of Key Cities.He succeeds the deputy mayor of Salford City Council, Cllr John Merry, who is stepping down after more than six years in the role.Cllr Maple said: ‘We are entering one of the most significant periods of change local government has seen for decades. ‘Devolution is still a work in progress. Local government reorganisation is still a work in progress. But our commitment to our places is not.‘My priority as chair will be to ensure that as Whitehall reforms local government and devolves more powers, success is judged not by structures or boundaries but by outcomes for residents.' Alderman Hazel Legge has been appointed president of the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA).A a member of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council since 2014, she said: ‘Local government brings practical leadership, strong community relationships and a deep understanding of local need. We must be at the table when decisions are being made and we stand ready to contribute our experience, innovation and insight.' Homes England has appointed Melanie Montanari as chief operating officer.Montanari is currently director, housing strategy and markets at the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, a role she has held since 2021. She previously worked at the Treasury. The Health Foundation has announced the appointment of Alison Ismail as its director of health and inequalities. She was previously lead director for Alan Milburn's Young People and Work Review at the Department for Work and Pensions.Her other posts include director for special educational needs and disabilities at the Department for Education and director for agri-food at the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.Chief executive Jennifer Dixon said: ‘Alison's exceptional sector-spanning experience will be critical as we continue to champion cross-government action on the wider factors shaping people's health and a focus on addressing economic and health inequalities.' PwC has promoted Erica Ballmann to the role of managing director in their local public services practice. She joined PwC from Haringey LBC in 2018 and leads reorganisation and technology-enabled change programmes at councils across the country.Partner at PwC James Bowman said: ‘Erica has successfully led some of the most complex and innovative change programmes in the country and consistently brings together consulting excellence with local government industry expertise.'

Title

PEOPLE

Norfolk interim chief announced

By Martin Ford | 09 July 2026

Popular articles by Martin Ford

SUBSCRIBE TO CONTINUE READING

Popular articles by Martin Ford