Herefordshire Council's chief executive earns more than Prime Minister

Herefordshire Council’s top boss earns more than Prime Minister, the latest figures show.

The Taxpayers’ Alliance published its annual rich list of town hall bosses today (April 9) which shows that six council officers at Plough Lane were paid more than £100,000 a year.

Chief executive Alistair Neill was the top earner taking home a total of £170,000 which includes salary and pension for the 2017/18 financial year in contrast to Theresa May’s pay which was around £150,000 for that year.

Both the county’s economy, communities and corporate and the adults and wellbeing directors were paid £121,000 in wages and received £19,000 for their pensions.

The children’s wellbeing director and chief finance officer received a combined total of £131,000 and £115,000 respectively while an undisclosed senior officer was paid £112,500.

The TaxPayers’ Alliance Town Hall Rich List details the full remuneration and many of the names of all local council employees whose remuneration exceeds £100,000.

This report comes as households in Herefordshire are being forced to pay more in council tax this year.

TaxPayers’ Alliance chief executive John O’Connell said: “Hard pressed families in Herefordshire will be disappointed that so many employees at their local council are earning more than £100,000.

“The average council tax bill has gone up by more than £900 over the last twenty years and spending has gone through the roof.

“Disappointingly, many local authorities are now responding to financial reality through further tax rises and reducing services rather than scaling back top pay.

“Despite many in the public sector facing a much-needed pay freeze to help bring the public finances under control, many town hall bosses are continuing to pocket huge remuneration packages, with staggering pay-outs for those leaving their jobs.”

A Herefordshire Council spokesperson said: “The council’s pay structure is determined by democratically elected Members in an open and transparent way, and in accordance with national salary guidelines.”