THURROCK councillors are likely to ‘grit their teeth’ and sanction a 4 per cent pay rise, which could see top pay for a chief executive hit £206,000 a year.
The increase was recommended by an independent pay review panel but councillors on the general services committee who voted to reject the pay hike in the face of appalling debts incurred by the council were unaware that the council was legally bound to sanction the panel’s decision.
At a subsequent committee meeting, chief executive, Dr Dave Smith, informed councillors they had not been advised that the council could face legal action, with senior managers turning to tribunals to get an award recommended by an independent review. Mr Smith said not granting the pay award would also damage the council’s ability to attract good candidates to the roles the council is seeking to fill at senior management level.
The committee members went on to vent their anger that officers had not properly advised them.
A report to next week’s full council meeting shows three pay grades for the council’s chief executive and directors.
A top grade chief executive will cost the council £206,000 a year, falling to £193,500 for a mid-tier chief executive and £176,500 for the lowest grade.
A top flight director will take home £160,000 while a top assistant director will receive £110, 500.
It would appear councillors now have little choice but to rubber stamp the award.
Fraser Massey, Independent councillor for East Tilbury, said: “It seems we don’t really have a choice. If we don’t put this through it leaves the council open to legal challenge. Cabinet when they first decided to refuse this I don’t think they were given enough advice from the officers on the ramifications of that decision.
“Personally I would have done the same and voted against it but I can’t see how we can now. We’ve been told it would leave the council with huge holes if it was to be tested in court. I think it will go through but with gritted teeth.”
If approved at Wednesday’s council meeting the pay increase will be backdated to April.
