Michael Gove Proposes New Laws to Rein in Excessive Pay

Senior council officials earning over £100,000 could soon have their salaries put to a vote, in an effort to clamp down on wasteful spending. Michael Gove, the Levelling Up Secretary, has written to Cabinet colleagues, seeking approval to pass new laws that would give elected councillors the final say on pay packages exceeding £100,000. This move comes as many councils face financial strain and the need to allocate limited resources effectively.

Town Hall Rich List Reveals Thousands Earning Six-Figure Sums

According to the TaxPayers' Alliance's annual Town Hall Rich List, there are at least 2,759 employees in England and Wales who earn more than £100,000 in total remuneration. Westminster Council has the highest number of staff on six-figure salaries, with 50 individuals identified. While some local authorities are on the brink of bankruptcy and others are dealing with significant funding shortfalls, residents are facing council tax hikes.

Transparency and Accountability

Under the proposed plans, elected councillors would have the power to approve or reject pay packages exceeding £100,000, ensuring proper oversight and transparency. The aim is to prevent taxpayers' money from being used to excessively compensate town hall executives without sufficient justification. The government believes that while it is important to attract top talent, there must be democratic checks to prevent wasteful spending.

Positive Step Towards Controlling Council Pay

John O'Connell, the chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, views this proposal as a positive step towards controlling top-level pay in local councils. He highlights the lack of democratic oversight in the past, which has allowed town hall bosses' salaries to surge unchecked.

It remains to be seen whether these new laws will be approved and implemented, but the move towards greater transparency and accountability in council spending is a promising development.