Manchester City Council has defended proposed pay rises for its managers against accusations they are inappropriate during a time of cuts.

The council is considering a range of above-inflation pay rises for its senior officers in a move they argue reflects recent changes in the responsibilities that come with their roles.

However, the GMB trade union has attacked the pay rises as ‘inexplicable' during a time of ‘savage cuts'.

A report to the council's personnel committee said the additional costs of the changes to senior salaries would be £51,467, which could be met from existing budgets. 

Defending the decision, the council insisted the changes were ‘both necessary and appropriate.'

The council's executive member for finance, John Flanagan, said: ‘The council's senior officers are responsible for multi-million pound budgets and decisions which affect the lives of people who live and work in Manchester.

‘They are also charged with developing the strategies which will shape the future direction of the city. 

‘As such, it is essential that we can keep and attract the right quality of senior staff by having salaries which reflect the levels of responsibility they have and are in line with those available in comparable cities.

‘We understand that such changes will never be popular, but we firmly believe they are both necessary and appropriate.'