The Labour leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf council which slashed the terms and conditions of its employees earned £95,860 – NEARLY £2,000 A WEEK – from the public purse in 2010-11, it has been revealed.
Russell Roberts picked up £58,962, including £1,177 in travel and subsistence, from his work as leader of the authority. He also received £23,544 as chairman of South Wales Police Authority and £13,344 from Cwm Taf Health Authority.
Pauline Jarman, Plaid Cymru leader on RCT council, said: “Council workers who have seen their terms and conditions cut by up to 40 per cent will wonder how Russell Roberts has the cheek to tell employees that cuts have to be made when he’s taking home £1,843 a week before tax from the public purse.
“His basic and senior salary as a councillor actually rose from £57,221 a year in 2009-10 to £58,962 in 2010-11 while the council was imposing draconian measures on many of its lowest paid staff. The public can see that there is one rule for Councillor Roberts and another rule for the workers.”
She went on:
“The Independent Remuneration Panel’s report last May made clear that the overwhelming view was that the leader’s role requires a full-time commitment, but obviously not in Rhondda Cynon Taf, where the leader can find time to take on not one but two additional roles.
“In a consultation document the panel also suggested that local authority leaders should consider very carefully whether they were able to effectively discharge any further public responsibilities elsewhere.”
“The public shouldn’t forget that the downgrading of terms and conditions and the threatened lock-out came about as a result of Councillor Roberts and his cabinet passing over responsibility for reducing expenditure to council officers. Some people may question what he does for his hefty salary.”
Councillor Jarman added:
“Russell Roberts clearly thinks he is unique and able to handle three jobs including leader of the council and chair of the police authority while his employees struggle to make ends meet. He should consider stepping down from those outside roles with immediate effect.”
