Scottish councils have been forced to axe the pay cap on chief executives after a successful grievance was raised.
The Convention of Scottish Local Authorities (COSLA) had offered a 5% pay increase for those earning between £39,000 to £60,000 but imposed a maximum increase of £3,000 for those earning above £60,000.
COSLA has now said that the pay increase for senior officers in 2022-23 would also be 5% - no better or worse than other council employees – after a challenge backed by the Scottish branch of the Association of Local Authority Chief Executives trade union.
Backdated payments will be made this month.
A COSLA spokesperson said lifting the pay cap on senior officers recognised the ‘critical jobs they do managing the delivery of our essential services’.
They added: ‘Scotland’s chief executives and chief officials do an extremely challenging and important job, and are entitled to be fairly remunerated for their efforts.’
In England, local government employers have offered chief executives an increase of 3.5% on basic salary for 2023-24 while other employees have been offered a pay increase of ‘at least £1,925’ - equating to an increase of 9.42% for the lowest paid.
This article was originally published by The MJ (£).