SEVENTEEN staff members at BCP Council received remuneration of more than £100,000, according to the latest edition of the Taxpayers’ Alliance Town Hall Rich List.

Graham Farrant, chief executive of the council, was the top earner in the 2022/23 financial year.

He earned £193,404, an increase from £191,479 in the previous financial year and £188,649 in 20/21.

Mr Farrant is the only officer named on the list, but three others earned more than £150,000 in their total remuneration.

This includes the council’s children’s services corporate director, who received just less than Mr Farrant, earning £193,387 in total, including pension.

The adult social care director was the next highest earner, earning a salary of £109,027, but receiving a compensation package of £44,502 for loss of office and a pension, bringing the total earned to £172,500, until February 28, 2023.

Bournemouth Echo: BCP Council chief executive Graham Farrant

The chief operations officer received a total remuneration of £169,496, while the director of law and governance received £141,759, including pension and £2,126 in expenses or benefits in kind.

The directors of finance and commissioning both earned a total of £139,633, including pension.

The roles of the ten remaining council staff members on the list are undisclosed.

This includes one employee earning a salary of £137,500, the fourth highest base salary on the list.

Others earned £117,500 and £112,500, while four people earned £107,500 and three earned £102,500.

A spokesperson for BCP Council said: “All senior staff salaries are comparative with other public sector organisations of a similar size.

“Pay and remuneration is determined objectively using various job evaluation factors, including the skills and knowledge required to deliver the job effectively.

“Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council is responsible for a diverse portfolio of services and employs over 5,000 people in a large urban conurbation.

“It is imperative that our council is able to attract and retain high quality talent to ensure we are able to achieve our ambitious agenda for Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole and be the best we can be for our communities.”

Nationally, at least 3,106 officials received more than £100,000 in total remuneration, with a record 829 earning more than £150,000 in 2022/23.