Sheffield Council chiefs' salaries amount to nearly £1 million

The salaries of just the seven top officials amount to a total of nearly £1 million.

Former chief executive John Mothersole, who retired at the end of last year, earned the most with a salary of £192,064 a year, plus a pension of £29,194.

Laraine Manley, council executive director for place, who is responsible for areas such as business, transport, housing, the environment and city centre development, was paid £138,752.

Jayne Ludlum, who has children’s services, adult services and education in her portfolio as director of people, received £135,533.

Eugene Walker, executive director for resources, is responsible for areas including legal, human resources, information technology and finance was paid £132,760.

Greg Fell, the director of public health, earned £114,497.

Two other senior officials, who were not named, were paid salaries of £102,500 a year each.

The data was revealed in a study by the TaxPayer's Alliance, which found a similar pattern across the country.

The TPA has criticised councils who were not providing value for money from tax payments while raising contributions and giving senior staff huge wages.

John O'Connell, alliance chief executive, said: "The coronavirus crisis means frontline council services are more crucial than ever, but, at the same time, household budgets face an enormous squeeze from crushing council tax rises.

"There are plenty of talented people in local authorities who are focused on delivering more for less, but that is needed across the board.

"The country needs every council to cut out waste and prioritise key services without resorting to punishing tax hikes on their residents."

This week, Sheffield Council announced extra help for those who claim council tax support.

In addition to existing reductions a further reduction for working age households of up to £150 per household will be applied automatically.

The council is also expecting a "significant" increase in those needing help.

The council has been approached for comment.

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