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Local Government (Pay Accountability) Bill - Sitting 1

22 May 2024

Proposing MP
Carolyn Harris Lab
Neath and Swansea East
Type
Public Bill Committee

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The statement addresses the Local Government (Pay Accountability) Bill which aims to increase transparency and democratic oversight of senior pay in local government. The statement discusses the Local Government (Pay Accountability) Bill and addresses concerns about transparency in remuneration within local government. The statement addresses the Local Government (Pay Accountability) Bill, which aims to introduce mandatory approval requirements for appointments with annual salaries of £100,000 or more in local government. MP Paul Bristow is expressing gratitude for the contributions and support received during the debate on the Local Government Pay Accountability Bill.

Action Requested

The MP proposes amendments to clause 1 to ensure that resolutions regarding salaries above £100,000 are held publicly and are not exempt from public discourse. The Bill requires relevant authorities to gain approval by resolution before advertising or appointing individuals with annual salaries exceeding £100,000 for new appointments only.

Key Facts

  • The Bill targets local government employees with an annual salary of £100,000 or more.
  • The amendment prevents a relevant authority from excluding the public from meetings where resolutions on senior pay are discussed.
  • The Bill will apply to England and Wales, with specific application in England only.
  • The Bill is not about castigating those who earn over £100,000 in local government.
  • Local government needs to attract and retain high-quality staff to deliver efficient public services.
  • The Bill does not assert that everyone is paid too much in local government.
  • The Bill aims to introduce mandatory approval requirements for local government employees earning £100,000 or more.
  • More than 2,500 people employed in local authorities in England received total remuneration of at least £100,000 in the year 2022-23.
  • The Bill will apply to local government in England only and does not cover Scotland, Wales, or Northern Ireland.
  • Paul Bristow thanks Rhys Evans for his work.
  • Matthew Gladstone is mentioned as a senior officer at Peterborough City Council.
  • Adrian Chapman, Rob Hill, and James Collingridge are also named as senior officers.
  • The council was previously run by independents and now is under Labour control.
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