Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram has turned down a pay rise of more than £3,000 despite the plans being recommended.
Mr Rotheram, Mayor of Liverpool City Region, could have had his annual salary increased from £81,000 to £84,298 after a proposed rise was signed off by members of the combined authority this afternoon. However the former MP has said he will not accept any further remuneration and will donate the increase to charity.
The pay rise would cover the next two years in line with the National Joint Council (NJC) agreement for local government workers. Mayor Rotheram’s current salary has increased from £77,500 five years ago.
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A report by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) independent remuneration panel said the role of Metro Mayor had “changed dramatically since 2017” with Mr Rotheram now in charge of “a multi-billion-pound budget and delivery of complex major infrastructure projects which affect the whole of the city region.” The report noted the Metro Mayor and CA have “significant responsibilities across the city region’s transport network, some of which are unique to the region and include the Merseyrail network, Mersey Tunnels, Mersey Ferries.”
In a tweet following the decision, the Metro Mayor said: “I don't set my own pay - it's independently determined - but I can decide whether or not to accept this rise. To be clear: I have no intention of taking more than I am currently on and I'll be donating this to local charities and good causes.”
The findings of the panel, which are independent and required by law, said the role of Metro Mayor had “become high profile, which was demonstrated by the increasing practice of Government utilising the unique role of the combined authority to administer and be responsible for significant funding streams.” The panel also recognised the importance of the relationships the Metro Mayor has with the CA’s constituent local authorities and national government.
It is said Mayor Rotheram’s position has become a “high profile and impactful role which provides a unique platform to represent and advocate at a regional, national and international level.” The panel noted the role of the Metro Mayor did not have access to a pension scheme which attracted an employers’ contribution.
In contrast, Emily Spurrell, the Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), who shares some similarities to the role of Metro Mayor, including geography and term of office, can access the Local Government Pension. By comparison to other combined authority areas, Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, who also acts as the region’s PCC, takes home £110,000 per year, while Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, earns £105,000 with only five local authorities in her remit.
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