This map shows you how many council employees earn more than £100k where you live

Nearly 3,000 local government execs earned more than £100,000 last year — with some receiving more than a quarter of a million pounds.

The annual Town Hall Rich List, produced by the TaxPayers’ Alliance pressure group, found at least 2,802 people employed by local authorities in 2019/20 received more than £100,000 in total remuneration, an increase of 135 on 2018/19 figures.

This includes salary, benefits, expenses, bonuses, any stated election duty fees, redundancy payments and employer’s pension contributions.

Who has been paid the most?

The Rich List also revealed that 31 employees took home in excess of £250,000 in remuneration.

Here is what else you need to know:

Essex County Council had the greatest number of employees whose remuneration was in excess of £100,000, with 40 employees, five more than the previous year. Glasgow City Council had the highest number of employees receiving over £150,000 at 14, two more than the previous year. The deputy chief executive at Coventry City Council was the highest remunerated council employee in 2019-20, receiving £573,660 in total remuneration. This included a loss of office payment of £395,110, pension payment of £26,559, and salary of £151,991. The City of Edinburgh Council paid out the highest amount in terms of bonuses and performance related pay to a senior employee, with the general manager of Edinburgh Trams receiving a £48,895 bonus. Simon Baker the now former chief executive of High Peak Borough Council, claimed the most in expenses at £38,043.

‘More than earned their keep’

The analysis will come as unwelcome news for homeowners and renters across the country who expect to see a rise in council tax bills this year as cash-strapped authorities attempt to recover from the pandemic.

John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said while staff in some councils will have “more than earned their keep” working during the coronavirus pandemic, hefty pay packets in those that are not seen to be delivering for residents would be harder to swallow.

“Taxpayers facing huge and hated council tax rises want to know they are getting value for money from their local authority leadership,” he said.

“At the onset of the coronavirus crisis, thousands of town hall officials were taking home huge sums. While councils were plunged into tackling the pandemic, many staff will have more than earned their keep, but households have nevertheless struggled with enormous and unpopular council tax rises.

“These figures shine a light on the town hall bosses who’ve got it right, and will enable residents to hold those who aren’t delivering value for money to account.”

Open and transparent

A spokesperson for the Local Government Association said senior pay is decided in an “open and transparent” way.

The spokesperson said: “Councils are large, complex organisations with sizable budgets and responsibility for more than 1,300 different statutory duties and responsibilities that make a huge difference to people’s lives. It is important that the right people with the right skills and experience are retained to deliver this important work.

“Senior pay is always decided by democratically elected councillors in an open and transparent way.”