ONCE in a time of widespread pay cuts years ago the red flag of socialism flew over London town halls. Now in a time of widespread cuts local government pays top salaries for top jobs.

Chief executive Tim Shields is paid £207,083, including the pension contribution of the employer, the council. Seven other senior officers earn from almost £169,000 down to just over £105,000.

An officer won £115,00 after being made compulsorily redundant and another £197,000.

As for councillors, the Mayor of Hackney, Jules Pipe is paid £75,846.14 a year, unchanged over several years.

Some members of the council cabinet, an inner circle of councillors with special responsibilities, are paid £43,000 a year, although some councillors are paid less than £10,000.

David Altheer 031013

* Other revelations of Hackney council payments: More than an MP earns; Good money for councillors

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