WALTHAM FOREST COUNCIL is offering a six-figure wage to the new head of its failing community services department sparking complaints that the salary is unjustifiable.

The authority has taken out a full-page advertisment in social worker magazine Community Care offering £111,000 to become the new executive director in charge of social services and housing.

The advertisment admits that the authority is rated poor by the Audit Commission and that its beleaguered social services department went into special measures.

It reads: "Things have to change. And they will.

"As the new Executive Director you'll have a unique opportunity to make a real difference.

"You'll help turn our vision into a reality: shaping a service that is built around people's individual needs, not institutions.

"Where customers have power and influence.

"As a vital member of our corporate management team you'll play a key role in repositioning the authority. 'Fair' this year and 'Good' the next."

The council agreed to increase significantly the pay structure for its senior officers in October in the hope it will improve the failing authority.

Councillors carried a motion to bring chief officers' salaries in line with those of similar workers in neighbouring boroughs totalling an extra £160,000 in wages across senior positions.

But one disgruntled resident, who did not want to be named, said: "If resources are so scarce how come they can afford a six figure salary by reducing frontline services yet again?

"I suppose it is progress to see their admission of their shortcomings but this publication has very limited circulation.

"How about a public apology to the residents of Waltham Forest for their dismal performance and consequent damage to many lives?"

A council spokesman said: "The council is committed to employing and keeping senior managers who have the ability to improve its performance so it can provide high quality public services.

"In 2003, it commissioned an independent report, which a leading management consultancy (Veredus) carried out, into chief officers' pay.

"The report compares Waltham Forest salaries with pay in other London boroughs and other public and private sectors.

"The report said that the council's salaries were not competitive and that it would struggle to attract senior managers of the right calibre.

"On October 16, the council agreed senior officers' salaries should increase. Under the new structure, pay is linked to performance."