Charlotte Newton THE sacked director of Haringey's children's services and the chief executive are on a rich list of town hall bosses who received more than �100,000 last year. Sharon Shoesmith, the former head of children s services, sacked over the Baby

Charlotte Newton

THE sacked director of Haringey's children's services and the chief executive are on a rich list of town hall bosses who received more than �100,000 last year.

Sharon Shoesmith, the former head of children's services, sacked over the Baby P case, earned �129,895 last year. Chief executive Ita O'Donovan was paid �171,580 from 2007 to 2008.

A freedom of information request by the Taxpayers' Alliance unearthed the sky-high salaries that some town hall bosses are on.

The former chief executive of Westminster Council, Peter Rogers, was among the eight highest earners in the local government sector last year. Mr Rogers received �205,000, more than the Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who was paid �194,250.

Maria Fort, of the Taxpayers' Alliance, said: "The fact that executives who have overseen increases in council tax, cuts in services and major policy failures are getting ever more generously rewarded is frustrating for taxpayers who are struggling to make ends meet.

"With bills rising and services stagnating, in too many town halls there is a culture of rewarding failure."

The figures show that the top 10 highest paid people in local authorities earn on average 10 times more than a nurse, teacher or soldier.

Haringey Council increased council tax by 1.95 per cent this year, yet the figures show that seven council employees were paid more than �100,000 last year.

And their salaries look set to rise again with this year's agreed 2.75 per cent pay increase.

A council spokesman said: "The Audit Commission has judged that many of our services - such as environmental services, recreation and adult social care - are performing strongly or well.

"The commission also said the council was performing well for financial management and value for money.

"Managing costs has meant that council tax bills have been set at 1.95 per cent, with savings of more than �25million over the last three years."

A spokesman for Westminster Council, which froze council tax this year, said: "If you want to employ the best then you have to be prepared to pay competitive salaries, and our executives are worth every penny."

The town hall rich list covers the two most recent financial years - 2006-2007 and 2007-2008.

Ms Fort warned: "Councils must start tightening their belts - we're in a recession and many of these rewards are financially unsustainable and morally indefensible.