Exeter City Council saw one of its top officials rank among the highest-paid council employees in the UK for the 2022/23 financial year, according to recently released data.
The figures indicate that the Chief Executive and Growth Director of Exeter City Council received a total remuneration of £369,680 during that period, making them one of the top 20 earners nationwide. Karime Hassan held the position until his retirement in March 2023, after serving nearly a decade. This earnings figure positioned him as the highest-paid council employee in the South West and the 11th highest nationally.
Data compiled by the TaxPayers' Alliance, which has been publishing such information since 2007, encompasses various components of remuneration, including salaries, employer pension contributions, benefits, bonuses, expenses, election duty fees, and redundancy payments.
The TaxPayers' Alliance's report highlights that the number of council executives earning over £100,000 reached 3,106, the highest since 2015 and the second-highest since the list's inception. Moreover, a record number of 829 individuals received over £150,000, with 175 council staff members earning more than £200,000.
John O'Connell, Chief Executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, emphasised the importance of ensuring value for taxpayers' money, particularly amid rising council tax rates. He encouraged residents to scrutinise whether funds are being effectively allocated towards frontline services.
Meanwhile, East Devon District Council (EDDC) faced challenges in filing their annual statement of accounts, attributing delays to auditing previous accounts and the availability of necessary information. EDDC assured the public of their commitment to transparency and outlined procedures for public inspection once the 2022/23 Draft Statement of Accounts become available.
As debates surrounding executive pay and financial accountability continue, communities remain vigilant in ensuring responsible stewardship of public resources.
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