Penrith Town Council has agreed to create a new £34,628-a-year staff role for a part-time Events Officer — pushing staffing costs even higher at a time when almost three-quarters of the council’s budget funded by Penrith households is already being spent on wages.
The 30-hours-per-week role, approved at Monday evening’s council meeting, comes with an additional 21.5% employer pension contribution, and is part of a new £80,000 budget aimed at securing event delivery and organisational memberships following the council’s direct involvement in this year’s MayDay event.
The new officer will take on responsibility for organising and running all council events, as well as supporting the promotion of the grants scheme and assisting the Communities Committee with project delivery.
The council said the post reflects its commitment to “delivering projects and events in Penrith and building on its vision for Penrith as a creative and cultural place where quality of life is enhanced by a range of vibrant festivals, events and projects.”
Applications opened immediately following the meeting, with the closing date set for 12 noon on Wednesday 30 July 2025 — despite the role only just being formally agreed. Interviews are scheduled for 27 August.
Applicants must have at least three years’ experience of running professional events and will be expected to lead on a full events programme from planning to delivery.
In addition to the Events Officer, the council is also recruiting a new solicitor at 8 hours a week for £10,982 a year, again with the 21.5% local government pension contribution on top. Applications for that role close on 29 August, with interviews planned for 25 September.
Once appointed, the council’s staffing will rise from seven to nine employees — a sharp increase for a town council. The wage bill for the current seven staff averages £25,650.28 per month, an amount which already consumes almost 75% of the council’s annual precept collected from Penrith council taxpayers.
The two new roles are expected to push that figure significantly higher with the increases in employer national insurance contributions and additional staffing and resource requirements for the posts.