Council Executive in line for £20,000 pay rise

Mark Widdup, RMBC Director of Economy & Environment

Mark Widdup, Rochdale Council Director of Economy & Environment, is in line for a pay increase of over £20,000 following the decision of councillors at Wednesday's council meeting to assimilate executive directors onto a directors’ pay grade.

As a result, Mr Widdup's current salary of £78,876 will increase to £97,185.

A Council spokesman said: "Mr Widdup's role has grown considerably and he has a lot more responsibility, previously there were a number of directors doing the job Mr Widdup now does."

Pauline Kane, Director of Finance, will also receive a substantial rise, her salary will increase from £76,786 to £91,464.

Deputy Chief Executive Linda Fisher's salary will increase to £97,185 from her current salary of £92,571.

The salary of Chief Executive Jim Taylor is £130,000 and will  increase by 1%  in line with pay increase awarded to staff in April 2013, which the three executive directors above will also receive on top of the pay grade increases.

However, Mr Taylor will also receive an additional £7,580 having been confirmed as the returning officer for elections - this was previously paid to Deputy Chief Executive Linda Fisher.

The implementation for all changes to be effective from 1 January 2014.