Pay freeze for council managers

Senior officers with Carmarthenshire council have been told their pay is being frozen for the next two years.

Ruling councillors say due to severe pressure on finances and the recession it would be "inappropriate" for top earners to see their pay increase.

The move, which affects around 140 people, was agreed on the advice of the council's chief executive Mark James.

The council said it had cut the number of senior officers' posts by around 60 over the past seven years.

The pay freeze has been agreed by the council's executive board.

Leader Meryl Gravell said: "Our senior officers have carried out tremendous work which is seen in the council's many award-winning services. We appreciate this very much.

"The chief executive has also reduced the senior management of the council considerably over the last seven years.

"As a result we now have 20% fewer directors, 30% fewer heads of service and 25% fewer third tier managers.

"This has resulted in savings of well over £1m in management costs.

"While we recognise this, the current economic conditions mean we must be prudent and I know our senior officers understand this."