A new executive councillor has been appointed to help Hertsmere Borough Council cope with the economic downturn.

Councillor Charles Goldstein will join six fellow Conservative executive members as the new portfolio holder for performance and economic development, overseeing all aspects of the council’s services.

He will be paid £12,024 per year for having a portfolio, on top of the basic allowance of £5,520 year that all councillors receive.

The chartered accountant and father-of four said he is looking forward to the new challenge.

He said: “I was keen to move onto the executive taking more of a decision-making role. The need for the position was first identified by the new chief executive and then I was approached to see if I wanted to take on the role.”

Regeneration, performance of services and economic development and efficiency will be the focus of Mr Goldstein’s duties in the coming year.

He added: “Although the council is already performing well, we want to we want to further improve its services.

“My role is a cross-portfolio role across the whole council to look at areas more objectively and see if there is room for improvement and to make sure we are meeting the needs of residents.

“The other side of it is economic generation, which looks at how the council co-operates with other councils in Hertfordshire to see where we can improve services, save costs and look at funding for economic projects. Especially in the current economic climate we will also be looking at ways to create new jobs.”

There are another six positions on the council’s executive which cover areas including planning, environment, leisure and transport.

In the council's constitution is states the leader of the council can create or remove positions on his cabinet without the approval of full council.

Leader of Hertsmere’s Labour group, Councillor Ann Harrison, said she will wait to see if the new role proves useful.

She said: “I am particularly interested in the economic development role. There is currently no economic development officer but if Mr Goldstein does get the support he needs and is able to achieve something in this area I think the extra money spent on the new portfolio will be worth it.

“But if he just focuses on monitoring statistics about performance it won't.”

Leader of the council Morris Bright said: “At these difficult times we need to be certain taxpayers are getting the best possible services at the most reasonable cost and ensure that during a downturn we do not overlook the vital economic development of our towns and communities.”