THE number of Hampshire County Council employees earning more than £100,000 has increased in the past year according to a new report.

The latest Taxpayers’ Alliance Rich List, published on Wednesday, April 19, revealed that 33 staff members of the county council receive a six-figure salary in 2021 - 2022 – seven more than in the previous 12 months.

This means that Hampshire County Council has the highest number of employees who receive remuneration above £100,000 in the south east.

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Graham Allen, the council’s director of adults’ health and care is the highest earner, with an annual salary of £173,300. Meanwhile, the council’s chief executive, Caroline Williamson, was found to take home £164,909.

Other members of the council’s senior management team also cost the council more than £100,000.

They include Steve Crocker, director of children’s services (£172,271), Felicity Roe, director of community, culture and business services (£157,483), Stuart Jarvis, director of economy, transport and environment (£157,483), and Rob Carr, former director of corporate operations (£116,775).

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The report also lists the salaries of 26 other employees, but describes their names as “not disclosed” and their job titles as “not specified”.

John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “Taxpayers facing record council tax rises want to be sure they are getting value for money from their local authority leadership.

“Many authorities continue with extremely generous pay and perks, including bonuses and golden goodbyes, while local people are facing a financial squeeze.”

Hampshire County Council said it was one of the biggest and most effective public sector organisations. It needed to recruit and retain the best senior officers and ensured its rates of pay were "competitive but sustainable".