An interesting article in the Echo , based on the inquiries of Lib Dem County Councillors:
MORE than 100 Essex County Council staff earn more than ?80,000 a year, according to opposition leader Tom Smith-Hughes.
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Ten years ago, when County Hall gave up Thurrock and Southend to new unitary councils, just nine people were paid those kind of salaries.
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Now Mr Smith-Hughes believes 111 earn ?80,000 or more with nine of them getting more than the Prime Minister?s ?142,500 salary and four more pocketing more than ?130,000.
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Top earners are also guaranteed a pension worth 20 per cent of their salaries, plus bonuses, healthcare benefits and car allowances.
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At a full council meeting, Mr Smith-Hughes, leader of the Lib Dem opposition at County Hall called for all salaries above ?80,000 to be reviewed.
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Councillors agreed a watered-down proposal which agreed to review senior managers? pay, but mentioned no specific cutoff figure…..