Questions over pay rise for council chief

Parties query increase amid drastic service cuts

- MARC MCLEAN

A huge pay increase for the boss of Dumfries and Galloway Council has come under scrutiny this week as the local authority prepares to make drastic service cuts to balance next year's budget.

Dawn Roberts, the council’s chief executive, has been awarded a 13 per cent wage hike that will take her salary to just over £200,000 per year.

And following a senior leadership restructure, the council has gone from six to 16 bosses that are now earning over £100,00 per year.

Meanwhile, lowest paid staff at the local authority pocket just £13.06 per hour.

At the end of next month, at the annual budget setting meeting, the council will be forced to make tough decisions on whether or not to keep community centres, swimming pools, and other public buildings open to help reduce a financial deficit of around £30 million over the next few years.