Big rise for NHS chiefs

Jun 23 2010 Huddersfield Daily Examiner

NEWS that local health chiefs have received bumper pay awards over the last three years could not have come at a more inappropriate time.

The Chancellor yesterday announced in his emergency budget that public sector workers will have their pay frozen for two years.

But there will be some protection for the 1.7 million who earn less than £21,000 as they will get a £250 increase in both years. That’s just over 1% each year.

But we have revealed today that over the last three years bosses at Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust have received rises of up to 26%.

And Chief Executive Diane Whittingham’s salary has risen from £155,000 in 2006 to £180,000 now.

That is £25,000 which is more than the average wage for people in Huddersfield.

The mind-boggling rises are before a massive boost to their pensions.

Of course these roles do come with a great deal of responsibility but, once again, we have someone locally who is paid more than the Prime Minister who is running the country.

The Chancellor is keen to stress that “we are all in this together” as yesterday’s budget starts to show the full extent of the financial pain we must bear.

But it’s hard not to think that some of us are far more in this together than others. Where is the restraint at top management level?