Council - reward packages for staff could reach six figures

The deputy council leader defended the “six figure” salaries which will be paid to two council officers, despite opposition from independent councillors.

At Thursday’s council meeting in Redbridge Town Hall, High Road, Ilford, members approved the total reward package for the chief planning and regeneration officer and the chief adult social services officer, which could rise to £98,487 and £94,446 respectively.

Cllr Ali Hai said: “I believe that this amount of pay is inappropriate and unaffordable for the council. A number of frontline staff and council employees have a very low wage.

“The focus should be on moderating salaries not paying six figures.”

But Cllr Ian Bond said: “These proposals do not suggest a six-figure salary, but it is significantly lower than that and the council are not spending more than they can afford.

“The amount of pay for the chief officer has also been frozen for the last three years.”

The reward package could be in excess of £100,000, if the officer completes both a number of years service for the council alongside exceptional performance.