Top six to have salaries scrutinised

The six most highly paid officials at Southampton City Council could have their slaries vetoed if new government palns are implemented.

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has introduced a measure which will mean councillors can vote to block salaries over £100,000.

The move comes amid fierce protests over pay cuts which rocked Caty Hall yesterday.
Pickles told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: "This is just part of the checks and balances so that it allows every councillor to consciously make a decision with regard to senior pay. "It just seems to me to be a reasonable thing to do."

Councillors will also have the power to approve bonuses, pension payments and other perks along with basic salaries.

Six executive officials at Southampton City Council currently enjoy salaries over £100k. The highest of these is that of Chief executive Brad Roynon whose basic salary is £172, 618. He is closely followed by Executive Director of Resources, Carolyn Williamson who earns £130,714

All council employees will have to take a 5.3% pay cut but protestors at yesterday’s budget meeting vented their fury at huge wages.

Mark Humphreys, 55, who works in parking services said: "I’m sure they are doing a great job bless em’ but this is a twin track approach. Those people in there on six figure salaries could face job cuts but that will be over a two year period. All of us out here are facing the cuts straight away."

Council Leader Royston Smith said: "We already scrutinise top salaries very carefully. They have to be approved by our Chief Officers Employment Panel, and their decisions are reviewed by both the cabinet and the full council. We’ll also be cutting the number of chief executives to four this year. At the end of the day you can have as many people as you like planning how to empty the bins but it’s more important to have the bin men at the coal face actually doing the job."

Hampshire County Council currently has eight executives on salaries over £100,000 with Chief Executive Andrew Smith on a gigantic. £207,969

Eric Pickles

Council leader Ken Thornber, said: "This measure will further increase openness and enable all councillors to be involved and satisfied that the salary they agree is fitting for the role and responsibilities of the post. It would also allow the public to see what factors the council took into consideration when making the decision and hopefully help create a better understanding of what senior officers at the council do to help ensure the delivery of vital services to the people of Hampshire"