THE top job at Reading Borough Council will be filled by a permanent member of staff for the first time in nine months.

Currently the chief executive at Oxford City Council Peter Sloman is set to take the reins of Reading's council next financial year.

He has worked in local politics for more than 30 years, acting as director of housing at Slough Borough Council for over a decade before moving to Oxford.

"Reading is already recognised as the economic hub of the Thames Valley," he said.

"My experience in Slough and in Oxford means I also understand the huge pressures on towns like Reading, both in demand for Council services and the delivery of high quality Council services.

"This is a hugely challenging time for Local Government everywhere, but working closely with councillors in Reading I am determined to ensure the Council continues to work hard on behalf of all residents.

"I share the Council’s values in terms of promoting fairness and community cohesion.

"I also enjoy being at the heart of a council which is at the centre of its community, improving the life chances of people and providing public services.

"I feel most at home working with frontline staff doing difficult jobs supporting people, and I look forward to getting started."

Mr Sloman is the preferred candidate to take on the role after being unanimously recommended by a cross-party panel. His appointment needs to be approved at a Full Council Meeting tomorrow (March 28).

Simon Warren has been acting as interim managing director since July 2016. He will leave the council at the end of March with Alison Bell, director of environment and neighbourhood services, taking on the post until Mr Sloman starts.

Jo Lovelock, Reading Borough Council leader, said: "We are pleased to have attracted a candidate of Peter Sloman’s calibre to Reading.

"He has a strong track record and brings with him a wealth of experience.

"That experience will be hugely important in the years to come as the council balances delivering more savings as a result of Government cuts to funding, while coping with increasing demands for council services, like caring for the elderly and vulnerable children.

"Reading has so much to offer and we remain determined to face those challenges head on by delivering quality services, and by attracting the inward investment needed to benefit both the town’s economy and its residents."