Executive Vice President's consultancy support - Cost: SEK 20,000 per day

The municipal director's so-called mentor costs SEK 30,000 a month and according to the agreement he is to work 1.5 days a month.

"The agreement applies to the client's need for strategic advice to the deputy director from a group chief executive's perspective, development of the role of deputy director and strategic relocation work of larger groups"

The agreement is valid from June 2018 until the end of 2019 and costs taxpayers SEK 570,000 plus travel and accommodation within Sweden.

That sum corresponds to the operation of the closed Karlsvik preschool for almost a year and the mentoring in these saving times is questioned within the organization.

Among other things, people wonder how a municipal manager who earns just over SEK 107,000 per month needs a mentor for SEK 30,000 a month to develop his leadership.

And why Mikael Lekfalk, who leads the multimillion savings in the municipality, costs such an extra expense.

- It is me who made this decision and it has not been up on the politicians' table, but I stand for it. I have become a better municipal director after this education and it is important for us to be able to fulfill this mission, ”says Mikael Lekfalk.

He talks about the importance of "external eyes" when it comes to Luleå municipality's financial transition and to discuss various proposals with the consultant from Uddevalla.

- Often it is me who has a challenge with me and so we bounce and ball the issue between each other. It will be a professional advice, says Mikael Lekfalk.

But is it expensive?

- Yes, it costs money with professional advice, absolutely.

Can you understand that the agreement led to reactions?

- Yes, I can understand that, but it is about taking us forward and I think this is important for our development and then it is not so much money it is about.

Is it right to invest in a consultancy agreement for your leadership when the municipality should save so much?

- I understand that you may find it difficult when schools disappear or when we make other efficiency improvements, but this is about how we should develop the municipal group as a whole, says Mikael Lekfalk.