Northamptonshire Police will have a temporary Chief Constable for just over a month to allow Nick Adderley to take a break intended for the purposes of pension abatement. 

Last month, the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) Stephen Mold signalled his intention to offer CC Adderley a new contract, labelling him the "best person to lead the force" as it strives for further improvements.

A confirmation hearing to discuss his reappointment was held yesterday during a meeting of the Police, Fire and Crime Panel, where PFCC Mold expanded upon the plans for CC Adderley to take a break.

He said: "There is a precedent in policing where police officers reach this position to enable them to abate their pension, which is what I’m proposing to you today.

"I’ve agreed with Nick that in extending his tenure, and renewing his contract, he can take a break from the service to enable him to abate his pension on the grounds that continuing in service under the current pension arrangements is economically untenable from a personal financial perspective."

Currently paid £159,494 per annum, CC Adderley will return on a salary of £165,000 after the PFCC exercised his discretion to vary the rate set annually by the Police Pay Review Body (£151,815 for Northamptonshire).

His new two and a half year contract can be extended by 'mutual agreement'.

The report for yesterday's meeting confirms that CC Adderley will 'technically retire' on February 26 before returning on April 3, with the PFCC to appoint a temporary Chief Constable for the intervening period.

A confirmation hearing for this proposed appointment will take place on February 2.

Northamptonshire OPFCC has said that it will write to the Panel to confirm its preferred candidate for temporary Chief Constable after it formally returns its decision on CC Adderley.