Liberal Democrat County Councillors were shocked at figures they have uncovered that show the number of council staff earning over £50,000 has more than doubled over the last four years.

In the financial year 2004/5 there were just 89 staff earning over £50,000, and just 9 of them earned over £100,000. Only 4 years later there are now 195 staff earning over £50,000: 16 of these earn over £100,000 and the Chief Executive is on over £200,000.

The pay bill for these top earners has jumped from £5.5m to £13.5m in four years.

Stephen Giles-Medhurst, Liberal Democrat Deputy Leader, commenting on these figures said: ‘While everyone is entitled to a reasonable and fair salary you have to ask the question if there are too many chiefs. Surely we should be investing in front line services where you can see a real impact of the investment for residents rather than people who write great reports for central government.’