Council leaders have defended local government salaries exceeding six figures, arguing they were important to attract the ‘right people'.

The number of town hall bosses on salaries of more than £150,000 rose to 1,092 in 2023-24, while those receiving more than £200,000 increased from 175 to 262, according to the TaxPayers' Alliance campaign group. Some 3,906 officials received more than £100,000.