Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram is in line for a pay rise to reflect his “high profile and impactful role” in the Liverpool City Region (LCR).
LCR’s Combined Authority (CA) will sign off on proposals to give Mr Rotheram an uplift in pay to cover the next two years in line with the National Joint Council (NJC) agreement for local government workers. Should CA members agree to the proposals, the allowance of the Metro Mayor will be set at an incremental rate in line with the yearly NJC increases up to £95,000.
The ECHO understands that Mr Rotheram’s annual settlement is not expected to increase anywhere near the top end of the bracket between now and 2024 when it will be considered again. Mayor Rotheram’s current salary stands at £81,000, up from £77,500 five years ago.
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A report by LCRCA’s independent remuneration panel said that 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.”
The findings of the panel, which are independent and required by law, said that 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 had 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 also noted that 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.
The next review of the allowance of the Metro Mayor will take place in 2024/25.
