New figures from Northumberland County Council reveal that senior officers are paid higher than the average when compared to similar councils, though in most cases the amounts are not the highest.
Comparison with Similar Councils
The council conducted a comparison exercise examining senior roles—including the chief executive, executive directors, and heads of service—at Northumberland and ten other large county councils such as Durham, Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire. Most roles at Northumberland fell within 5% of the average paid by the other local authorities.
Notable Exceptions
However, two roles stood out: the director of public health (DPH) and the monitoring officer. The DPH receives £165,728, which is 26.41% higher than the average of £131,107. The monitoring officer earns £153,143, 20.14% above the average of £127,473.
A report presented to the staff and appointments committee on Wednesday explained that the DPH role in Northumberland encompasses a broader portfolio, notably including public protection. The report stated that the roles are “not directly equivalent” and that “caution should be applied when making direct salary comparisons.”
Regarding the monitoring officer, council leader Glen Sanderson attributed the higher rate to historic legal issues at the council. Speaking at the meeting, Sanderson said: “Law and governance is high, but once upon a time this council was not a place of happiness. It was difficult. This council has moved on enormously, but we wanted to have the very best to ensure we stay there.”
Historical Context
Sanderson referred to issues highlighted by the 2022 Max Caller report, which examined problems dating back to 2017. The report noted “internal battles” between leading councillors and officers, with relationships described as “broken” and “confrontational.” Later that year, a section 114 notice was issued due to unlawful expenditure related to the council’s former international health consultancy business.
Sanderson added: “We have followed our pay policy to the letter. We have left no stone unturned and compared ourselves to a wide range of similar councils. We are very similar to other councils of a similar size. We must have the best people in the most important places and that is what we have.”
