Recent figures reveal that many Newham Council staff attain more than £100,000 per annum.
The 10 highest-paid employees received approximately £138,304 a year. Chief executive Kim Bromley-Derry and Nick Bracken, director of enforcement and safety, each received more than £150,000 that annual year, stated the TaxPayers’ Alliance, who researched the figures.
John O’Connell, the Alliance’s chief executive said that: “The sheer scale of these packages raise serious questions about efficiency and priorities.” This money would otherwise be more effective if invested into the community- improving infrastructure, quality of education and working with the youth. Newham as a borough is deprived socially and economically so it is evident through the research compiled that the Council is not focusing on its most pressing matters.
There were among more than 400 employees handed vast sums of income across London- 500 council chiefs received £150,000 or more. Islington’s assistant chief executive received the largest salary of London’s councils amounting to a hefty payment of £414,780.
Clearly, this money should be put towards issues and organisations within the boroughs. No-one is disputing the fact that council members work hard and should be rewarded with the right fee for the job they complete, however earning more than £100,000 is excessive, when it can be utilised elsewhere. Wouldn’t you agree?
Halimah Ali, Lister Community School
