A troubled CCG which recorded a £6m deficit last year saw expenditure on wages for governing body members soar by 63.5pc in 12 months, as it slashed services for patients.

During 2015/16 South Norfolk CCG had four chief officers, including two interims, and three chief finance officers, including two interims.

That contributed to a rise spending on senior managers' pay from £480,000 in 2014/15 to £785,000, according to the CCG's annual report.

It included the salary for Ann Donkin, who was chief officer for three months of 2015/16 before leaving, and £20,000 on 'turnaround director'

Margaret Blackett, who served as interim chief officer for one month.

The CCG spent £102,174 on exit packages – its highest amount so far – on two members of staff, but it refused to say to whom this money was paid.

During 2015/16 South Norfolk CCG cut NHS-funded IVF services and also proposed to axe free hearing-aids and hospital beds.

A spokesman for the CCG said the budget from which it paid wages to staff was set nationally and couldn't be used for health services.

The CCG refused to reveal details on its £102,000 exit package to two staff members. The spokesman said: 'They are personal to the individuals; the CCG respects their confidentiality.'

They added: 'The total amount paid to Ms Donkin was a legitimate payment agreed by both parties and NHS England. The CCG's external independent auditors informed the CCG that they were satisfied with the arrangements.'

The CCG now has a permanent chief officer in Antek Lejk, who joined in January.

It will share its new chief financial officer, Helen Stratton, with North Norfolk CCG.