Oldham near top of town hall rich list

OLDHAM Council forked out more than £100,000 to each of 20 members of staff last year through salaries, expenses, pensions and payouts.

The Taxpayers’ Alliance revealed the local authority is among the top English councils for employees receiving remuneration packages of more than £100,000.

The annual town hall rich list revealed chief executive Charlie Parker collected a total of £216,000 in salary, fees, allowances, expenses and pension contributions.

Eleven members of staff were earning more than £100,000 during 2010/11 — but the council claims this salary level applies to eight employees for the current financial year.

Seven senior posts were revealed as earning a six-figure sum by the Taxpayers’ Alliance — along with five “unknown” members of staff. The Chronicle understands one of the posts may be a school’s head teacher.

Former executive director of adult social services Veronica Jackson received £66,000 in compensation for loss of office when she bowed out in February, 2011, which added to her £128,000 annual salary.

Matthew Elliott, chief executive of the Taxpayers’ Alliance, said: “Taxpayers will be astonished that so many council employees are still getting such a generous deal while everyone else in the public sector is facing a pay freeze.

According to the Taxpayers’ Alliance, in the North West only Liverpool, Manchester, Stockport, Warrington, Cheshire West and Chester councils have paid over £100,000 to more employees.

Oldham Council publishes all senior staff salary packages for those earning more than £100,000 in annual statements.


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