A council boss was given more than £220,000 to leave his job, The Argus understands.

Although West Sussex County Council is still refusing to tell the public how much former chief executive Mark Hammond was paid to leave, sources claimed he received a year’s salary on top of pension payments.

Councillors were given the details of the settlement behind closed doors this week.

But the council, which is trying to find £75 million of savings over the next four years, has refused to confirm the amount and councillors have claim they are bound by a confidentiality agreement.

The public will not be told officially how much Mr Hammond was paid until the council publishes its annual summary of accounts next autumn.