The Southampton City Council bosses who earn more than £100,000

The latest TaxPayers' Alliance Town Hall Rich reveals that 12 staff members received a six-figure sum in 2021-2022 - the same figure recorded in the previous 12 months.

Earlier this year councillors were warned the authority could run out of money - effectively putting it at risk of bankruptcy.

Finance boss John Harrison, who earned £140,198 in the period covered by the report, said the council should fund only "essential" services or risk running out of reserves by next year.

Sandy Hopkins, the city council's former chief executive, received payments totalling £406,403 in the 2021-2022 financial year (Image: Martini archive)

According to the TaxPayers' Alliance, former chief executive Sandy Hopkins, who left the authority last year, earned £192,469.

But pension payments totalling £25,695, plus the £188,239 she received for loss of post, boosted her overall package to £406,403, making her the fourth most remunerated local government employee in 2021-2022.

READ MORE: Former Southampton City Council CEO was given £188k payoff

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

They include Robert Henderson, Executive Director Wellbeing Children & Learning (£177,300), Mary D'Arcy, former Executive Director for Communities, Culture and Homes (£165,714), Kate Martin, Executive Director of Place (£153,489), Mike Harris, Executive Business Services and now Chief Executive (£151,905), John Harrison Executive Director Finance and Commerce (£140,198) and Richard Ivory, Service Director Legal and Governance (£121,279).

The report reveals the salaries of five other employees but describes their names as "not disclosed" and their job titles as "not specified".

More than 30 officers at Hampshire County Council were also paid six-figure salaries.

Senior officers at Hampshire County Council were paid more than £100,000 in the 2021-2022 financial year (Image: Newsquest.)

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

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

Three officers at Eastleigh Borough Council - and four at Winchester City Council - received six-figure sums in 2021-2022.

READ MORE: Southampton City Council could go bankrupt by next year - finance chief

According to the report, 2,759 council bosses across the country received a total remuneration of more than £100,000.

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".

Southampton City Council has also been contacted for comment.