Staines South Councillor Chris Bateson was shocked by the revelation
Figures published by Surrey County Council have revealed a huge rise in the cost of senior staff pay in just 12 months.
The information published by the Council has revealed that the number of its senior officers earning over £50,000 has increased from 407 in 2018/19 to 558 in 2019/20. The number of those being paid between £50,000 - £54,999 has increased from 127 to 212.
A greater increase is seen in the £60,000 - £64,999 pay bracket where the number of officers has jumped from 49 to 154. In total the pay bill for all senior employees has risen by around £10 million.
Local Lib DemCouncillor, Lib Dem Chris Bates said:
"The Lib Dems really question whether the salary budget for senior staff at the County Council is out of control. Whilst we appreciate that it is necessary to have employees of the right calibre to deliver these changes, we need to be sure that the right balance is being struck and keep the public informed on how their money is being spent."
Need to report something similar in Staines South? Contact Chris Bateson
The closure of recycling stations during the first part of lockdown resulted in widespread fly tipping throughout the Borough. This steadily became a blight in many places resulting in threats to health and safety for our residents.
The Lib Dems have selected a candidate to bring back community policing, tackle drugs and get a fairer deal for Surrey.
They are delighted to announce that Mole Valley District Councillor Paul Kennedy has been selected as their candidate to be Surrey Police and Crime Commissioner in the election on 6th May 2021.
Paul Kennedy is a former barrister, accountant and actuary with over 30 years leadership experience working in both private and public sectors. Paul is a hardworking and popular Councillor, representing Fetcham West ward. He has previously overseen a number of professional and public bodies on behalf of the public, and is offering a fresh approach to policing in Surrey.
Paul Kennedy said: "I want to bring back community policing, get drugs off our streets by cutting county lines and deliver a fairer deal for Surrey. Theresa May's failed PCC experiment has been a disaster for Surrey policing. The first Commissioner was at war with his own Chief Constable, and his Conservative successor has increased Surrey Police's element of Council Tax by nearly 23%. But we have nothing to show for our money but rising crime, more drugs and fewer police on our streets."
"As a Lib Dem in Mole Valley, I have seen at first hand the impact of withdrawing community policing, and increasing lawlessness on our streets. These have been exacerbated by Conservative cuts to youth services, mental health and road safety at Surrey County Council. We need a new partnership with Surrey Police and a fairer deal for the men and women who put their lives at risk to keep us all safe."
"I am up against two Conservative candidates: the new one they have selected, and the old one they have rejected. The last thing we need is another Conservative Commissioner to do the bidding of Priti Patel. Votes in this election can send a clear message to the Conservatives, and choose to get some proper professional oversight of Surrey's Police on behalf of residents."
The Lib Dems came a strong second across Surrey in December's General Election with nearly 180,000 votes, more than double the first preference votes of the winning Conservative Police and Crime Commissioner candidate at the last election.
As many of you will know there is a well-used footpath running from the Kingston Road near the Jolly Butcher Public House through to Berryscroft Road. It is used significantly by parents and school children going to and from Buckland School as well as other residents.
