Lib Dems Trigger Investigation into Kent County Council Top Officer Pay (North Thanet Liberal Democrats)

North Thanet Liberal Democrats <info@north-thanetlibdems.org.uk>

Lib Dems Trigger Investigation into Kent County Council Top Officer Pay

April 1, 2010 6:41 PM
Originally published by Liberal Democrats on Kent County Council

The Lib Dem Group at Kent County Council (KCC) have triggered an investigation of how KCC pay to top officers compares with other councils.

The Lib Dem Group welcomed The Taxpayer's Alliance 'Town Hall Rich List' guide to senior pay in local authorities on the day they introduced a motion to Kent County Council seeking improved transparency and accountability for the people in Kent. Trudy Dean has initiated a report to KCC's Personnel Committee on top officer pay and bonuses.

The Lib Dem Group has continually questioned senior staff pay packages. At last April's Cabinet Scrutiny Committee Trudy Dean, Leader of the Opposition and Chairman of Cabinet Scrutiny questioned senior officer's pay in view of the public interest.

"Payment of up to 15% bonuses to senior managers is not acceptable to taxpayers who themselves are getting low or no pay rises." Trudy Dean said. "Performance related pay can be a good tool, but it is notoriously difficult and needs to be fair across the whole authority".

Tim Prater, Opposition Finance Spokesperson remarked:

"KCC continues to defend senior pay under two banners:

"'1. We are the largest local authority': But does this really excuse 482 (non school) KCC managers earning an annual income in excess of £50,000, in contrast to 37 managers only 12 years ago?

"2. 'We employ the best' If that were true then why has KCC had to pay out nearly £1million in pay-offs over the last five years to 7 former directors to avoid the possibility of an unfair dismissal claim?""

Cabinet Scrutiny Committee agenda, minutes and papers are at http://democracy.kent.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=116&MID=2002#AI8131

There have been 54 compromise agreements over the last 5 years with a total cost of payments £1,703,037. Over half - £955,267 was paid to 7 senior directors, representing an average of a lump sum of £136,467.