SEVEN North Somerset Council employees are receiving over £100,000 in total remuneration a year, according to data from the 2024 Town Hall Rich List.

Taxpayers' Alliance has collected the data to put into the Town Hall Rich List for this year. First complied in 2007, the report is a comprehensive list of council employees in the UK in receipt of over £100,000 in total remuneration in a single financial year.

The Taxpayers' Alliance website reads: "At least 3,106 people employed in local authorities in 2022-23 received total remuneration of at least £100,000, this is an increase of 347 on 2021-22.

"Of these 829 received at least £150,000, 108 more than the previous year. This is the largest number of people in receipt of at least £150,000 since the Town Hall Rich List began in 2007.

"In 2022-23, at least 175 council employees received more than £200,00 in total remuneration."

The seven staff members at North Somerset Council receiving a total remuneration of £100,00 a year and over are: 

  • Chief executive Jo Walker - a yearly salary of £164,682 with a pension of £39,194. Total amount £203,876.
  • Director of children's services Sheila Smith - a yearly salary of £137,440 with a pension of £32,711. Total amount £170,151.
  • Director of place Lucy Shomali - a yearly salary of 137,440 with a pension of £32,711. Total amount 170,151.
  • Director of adult social services Hayley Verrico  - a yearly salary of £133,202 with a pension of £31,702. Total amount £164,904.
  • Director of corporate services - a yearly salary of £128,960 with a pension of £30,693. Total amount £159,653.
  • Director of public health and regulatory services Matt Lenny - a yearly salary of £120,253 with a pension of £28,620. Total amount £148,873.
  • Assistant director (governance and monitoring officer) - a yearly salary of £94,635 with a pension of £22,523. Total amount £117,158.

A North Somerset Council spokesperson said: “We are committed to transparent, fair and equitable pay and grading arrangements.

"Our pay policy is always kept under regular review and the pay policy statement is refreshed and considered by Full Council each year.

"The pay grades for all roles, including the council’s chief executive and directors, are determined through an independent job evaluation process.

"It’s also worth noting that public sector pay rates are tracking below those achieved in the private sector at all levels.”