Glastonbury and Street
Nub News Logo
Nub News

Somerset council boss to receive £6.6k pay rise as part of senior leadership salary review

By Laura Linham   12th Sep 2025

Somerset Council officers receive a 3.2% pay rise backdated to April, costing £121,400.
Somerset Council officers receive a 3.2% pay rise backdated to April, costing £121,400.

Somerset Council's chief executive and senior officers will receive a 3.2% pay rise this year, backdated to April and costing the authority £121,400 in total — around £38,000 more than originally budgeted.

The increase brings Chief Executive Duncan Sharkey's salary from £206,870 to around £213,500, with executive directors now earning up to £158,670 and senior directors over £124,000.

The pay rise, in line with national agreements under the Local Government Services 'Green Book', was confirmed by the council's HR committee in a short meeting on Tuesday (September 9). Somerset Council had opted out of national pay negotiations for chief executives, meaning the change required formal local approval.

The council had budgeted for a 2% rise costing £83,600. The additional £37,800 needed to fund the 3.2% increase will come from reserves.

HR policy lead Michelle Anderson said the increase reflected a cost-of-living adjustment, not a performance-related bonus. Councillor Sarah Wakefield noted the award was modest given current inflation pressures: "It's not a huge award, quite frankly."

There will be no further salary review until at least March 2026.

More local stories:

Sign up to our free local newsletter here: https://glastonbury.nub.news/newsletter-subscribe. Our top stories in your inbox every Friday.

     

CHECK OUT OUR Jobs Section HERE!
glastonbury vacancies updated hourly!
Click here to see more: glastonbury jobs

     

Good reason (not) to support local news.

Local News is essential for Glastonbury and Street's community.
So, what's the reason not to support local news?

Honest answer:
Not everyone can afford to pay for news.

That's why Glastonbury and Street Nub News does not have a paywall.
If you are not able to help at the moment -
continue read us for free.
Monthly supporters will enjoy:
Ad-free experience

Share:

Comments (0)

Post comment

No comments yet!


Sign-up for our FREE newsletter...

We want to provide glastonbury with more and more clickbait-free news.

     

...or become a Supporter.
Glastonbury and Street. Your Town. Your News.

Local news is essential for our community — but it needs your support.
Your donation makes a real difference.
For monthly donators:
Ad-free experience