WALES’ HIGHEST PAID OFFICIALS
THE top 10 paid council officials across Wales, taking into account salary, pension and expenses during 2019-20 were:
■ 1. Paul Orders, chief executive of Cardiff council
Mr Orders, who heads up Wales’ biggest local authority receives a salary of £180,423 and pension of £42,399. Total: £222,822
■ 2. Deborah Driffield, assistant director of children’s services at Cardiff council
Ms Driffield, who is now Director of Childrens’ Social Services, had a salary of £199,849 in 2019-20.
That’s higher than the chief executive of Cardiff council.
Her department recently reported a “notable rise” in complaints.
She was appointed in October 2019 after previously being statutory director of social services in Swansea Total: £199,849
■ 3. Chris Bradshaw, chief executive of Rhondda Cynon Taf Council
The chief executive of Wales’ third largest authority receives a salary of £151,000 and pension of £39,000. Total: £190,000
■ 4. Christina Harrhy, Interim chief executive of Caerphilly council
Caerphilly council has just concluded a pay scandal which saw their former chief executive, Anthony O’Sullivan, be paid £137,000 a year to stay at home.
The total cost to the taxpayer of the scandal was between £4m and £6m.
His successor Ms Harrhy receives a salary of £143,949 and pension of £30,949. Total: £174,898
5. Colin Everett, chief executive of Flintshire council
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The sixth biggest council, and largest in north Wales is presiding over by Colin Everett.
He receives a salary of £136,548, pension of £37,687.
He has recently announced he will step down after 40 years in public services. Total: £174,235
6. Caroline Turner, chief executive of Powys Council
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Powys is Wales’ biggest council in terms of the area it covers.
Ms Turner’s salary is £134,000 and pension of £37,000.
She was appointed as Powys’ chief executive in 2018. Total: £171,000
■ 7. Chris Lee, corporate director resources & section 151 officer at Cardiff council
Mr Lee holds the title of resources director but also chief financial officer (section 151 officer).
His salary is £137,970 and pension of £32,423. Total: £170,393
■ 8. Sarah McGill, corporate director of people and communities at Cardiff council
Ms McGill has a salary £137,970 and pension of £32,423 Total: £170,393
9. Steven Phillips, chief executive of Neath Port Talbot Council
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Mr Phillips has now been replaced by Karen Jones.
He had a salary of £142,485 and pension of £25,647. Total: £168,132