Council £58k wages to stay under wraps

Oldham Council has no plans to publish details of staff earning more than £58,000 as part of a government drive to promote transparency.

Local Government secretary Eric Pickles wants every council to name workers earning above the salary to help the public scrutinise town hall spending. Council spending on middle managers has risen by more than 20 per cent over the past three years to more than £2.4billion.

Mr Pickles said: “The taxpayer has a right to look under the bonnet of their council and see what decisions are being made on their behalf and where their money is being spent. I asked all councils to put online everything they spend over £500 and the majority have had the good sense to do so.

“Now I’m publishing a new code that will take councils to the next level.”

"Transparency must be the underlying principle behind everything councils do. Every aspect of council business should be open to public scrutiny including top money, middle management, councillor expenses, audit results and voluntary sector funding."

Oldham Council has complied with government calls to publish all detailsof spending greater than £500 on line.

Councillor Lynne Thompson, cabinet member for performance and value for public money said: “The council is committed to transparency and is continually expanding the range of information available to the public.

“Oldham Council publishes higher salaries in bands according to current guidelines.

“It has reduced senior management costs by £2 million in the last two years and is aiming to save a further £1 million in the next financial year.

“The council does not currently have any plans to publicise all salaries over £58,000 as stated in the draft code of recommended practice.

“Further work is planned to increase the range of financial information available on the council website.”