Arun council chief executive’s asked to take pay freeze to show ‘solidarity’ with staff

During a meeting of the full council on Wednesday (January 13), councillors discussed whether to grant a two per cent performance-related rise to Nigel Lynn, in line with the terms of his contract.

The rise was recommended by a cross-party remuneration committee after an appraisal of his performance was conducted in November.

While councillors shared their respect for Mr Lynn and the works he has done, many were not happy to see him pocketing extra cash when most staff would receive nothing extra.

Grant Roberts (Con, Arundel & Walberton) said: “People are losing jobs, people are getting pay freezes, I think he should pay freeze in solidarity with his staff.”

Jamie Bennett (Lib Dem, Rustington West) agreed, adding: “I think the CEO is a member of staff and he should be treated with the same brush and he should also have a pay freeze.

“It angers me how the executives of local government and businesses get a pay rise and the staff get nothing.

“We’re in a tight position at the moment financially.”

According to the council’s statement of accounts, Mr Lynn currently receives £124,000 plus a £22,000 pension contribution. The rise will add another £2,480 to that sum, which will be back-dated to October.

Interim monitoring officer Solomon Agutu pointed out that asking Mr Lynn in public if he would be willing to turn down the pay rise, would place him under too much pressure.

However, the chair of the remuneration committee – in the case Pauline Gregory – could ask him in private.

The pay rise was agreed.