Two-Year Pay Freeze for Senior Council Officers

Carmarthenshire County Council’s Executive Board is freezing chief officers’ pay because of the economic situation and the recession.

When considering the two year review of senior officers’ pay, the Executive Board today decided on the advice of the Chief Executive to freeze chief officers’ pay for two years.

In the light of severe pressures on public finances the Executive Board agreed that it would be inappropriate for senior officers of the Council to be granted any pay increases at this time.

Council leader Cllr Meryl Gravell said: “Our senior officers have carried out tremendous work which is seen in the Council’s many award-winning services. We appreciate this very much.

“The Chief Executive has also reduced the senior management of the Council considerably over the last seven years. As a result we now have 20 per cent fewer directors, 30 per cent fewer heads of service and 25 per cent fewer third tier managers.

“This has resulted in savings of well over £1m in management costs. While we recognise this, the current economic conditions mean we must be prudent and I know our senior officers understand this.”

The Executive Board also agreed to harmonise senior officers’ terms and conditions on pay so that they are the same as for all other staff.