Town hall fat cats on more than £100k to face vote on pay packets under plans to rein in council spending

Grasping town hall executives earning more than £100,000 could soon have their salaries put to a vote, in an effort to curb excessive council spending, Trending In The News can reveal.

Michael Gove calls for limitations on excessive salaries

Michael Gove, the UK's Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, is leading the charge to rein in council spending and prevent council bosses from receiving six-figure salaries that are undeserved and burdensome on taxpayers. With councils facing significant financial strain, Gove argues that it is crucial to use limited resources in the most effective way possible.

Gove has expressed his view to senior ministers, stating that "excessive salaries in local government should be limited by ensuring oversight of senior pay."

Elected councillors to have final say on high pay packages

Under the proposed plans, elected councillors will have the power to approve or reject all pay packages that exceed £100,000. This move aims to provide greater transparency and accountability in local government.

Over 2,700 employees earning six-figure sums

According to the TaxPayers' Alliance latest Town Hall Rich List, there are at least 2,759 employees in England and Wales who earn over £100,000 in total remuneration. Westminster Council tops the list, with 50 staff members earning six-figure salaries.

Financial strain and council tax hikes

While some local authorities are on the verge of bankruptcy, others are grappling with significant funding shortfalls. As a result, residents are expected to face substantial council tax hikes next year, with the average band D household paying an extra £99.

Government aims for transparency and accountability

A government source emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in local government salaries, stating that there are too many inflated salaries in local government. The source added that while it is important for councils to attract top talent, there must be proper oversight and a democratic check on spending taxpayers' money on excessive salaries without valid reasons.

TaxPayers' Alliance welcomes the move

John O'Connell, the chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, hailed the proposed plans as a step in the right direction. He argued that town hall bosses have seen their salaries skyrocket without any democratic oversight for years.