星空传媒

Jim Coulter鈥檚 appointment, which will run until 31 March 2008, was made by deputy prime minister John Prescott in consultation with the secretary of state for Wales, Peter Hain, and health secretary Dr John Reid.

He will be joined on the board by Sir Thomas Legg QC, currently chairman of Hammersmith Hospitals NHS Trust, whose appointment was also announced last week.

It is believed Coulter will continue as chief executive of the NHF until his replacement, David Orr, takes over the role on 1 July.

Coulter鈥檚 role at the commission will require three days鈥� work a month and carries a pay packet of 拢13,140 a year.

Local government minister Nick Raynsford said: 鈥淏oth of the appointees offer substantial experience gained in the public sector. I welcome the appointments made today by the deputy prime minister.

鈥淭he Audit Commission board will be enhanced by their varied skills and expertise.鈥�

Coulter was previously director of the Leeds Federated Housing Association and chairman of Homeless Network (now part of Homeless Link).

He spent 17 years in his role at the NHF. His replacement, currently chief executive of the Scottish Federation of Housing Associations, was announced at the beginning of March.

Coulter was on holiday and unavailable for comment at time of going to press. He has indicated he plans to return to his native North-east on retirement, but has indicated he will be maintaining his involvement in housing policy.