PCC defends rise in deputy’s salary
CHESHIRE’S Labour police and crime commissioner has defended his decision to appoint a deputy on a salary which is 33% more than the deputy appointed by his Tory predecessor.
David Keane (Lab) is advertising for a deputy with a salary of £50,000 pro rata.
The previous deputy, who was appointed under former Police Commissioner John Dwyer (Con) in 2012 earned £22,500 based on an average three days a week. Her pro rata salary was £37,500 meaning Mr Keane is offering his new deputy £12,500 more than his Tory predecessor paid (pro rata), a pay increase of 33%. Mr Keane justified the hike saying the advertised pro rata salary is less than neighbouring authorities and the new deputy will be required to work flexible hours.
“The role of deputy police and crime commissioner is set out in legislation. It is an important role and the successful candidate will support me to ensure an effective and efficient police service and play a leading role in crime prevention and community safety across Cheshire,” said Mr Keane.
“There has previously been a deputy commissioner and funding for the post is within my office’s annual budget, a budget that won’t increase despite growing responsibilities and workload.
“I am not asking for extra money to pay for the post and following my appointment in May I have taken time to consider what support I need rather than making an immediate appointment and as such have made a saving on my office’s costs.
“The recruitment of a deputy for Cheshire is an open recruitment process and in order to ensure that I recruit the best possible candidate, who will be able to meet the chal- lenges of a demanding role and provide value for money for the people of Cheshire; it is important that the role has a competitive salary.
“The advertised prorata salary is lower than neighbouring areas. The increased responsibilities being devolved to local police and crime commissioners will mean that the new deputy will have a demanding portfolio of work and will be required to work flexibly in the evening and weekends.
“I am committed to ensure that the person recruited will provide value for money for the people of Cheshire.”
The commissioner is already supported by a team of 11, including a chief executive earning between £87,158 and £93,035 and a part-time chief finance officer who earned £40,021 in 201516. Other roles are: administration assistant, commissioning and partnership officer, commissioning officer, governance officer, head of scrutiny and planning, personal assistant (chief executive), personal assistant (commissioner), planning and strategy officer and research and analysis officer.
Applications for the role of deputy, which is not a politically restricted post, closed earlier this week. ●