More than 30 staff members across four Lancashire councils earned more than £100,000 last year, new figures have revealed.

The figures come from the latest research by the TaxPayer’s alliance, which has compiled a list of council employees in the UK paid more than £100,000 in a single financial year, including salary and pension contributions.

The release of the figures comes as households across the country face record council tax hikes and continue to struggle with the cost-of-living crisis.

READ MORE: Council tax discount could save you thousands on tax bill

In Blackburn with Darwen, eight staff members earned more than £100,000, the highest paid being chief executive Denise Park.

She earned a salary of £168,000 in 2021/22 – an increase from £153,000 the previous year, and when her pension is included, the figure rose to £194,000.

This was followed by the strategic director for children and education Joanne Siddle, who received a total amount of £143,000.

In Burnley, two members of staff earned six figures last year; chief executive Mick Cartledge earned £146,368 in total, while the chief operating officer Lukman Patel received £111,314 when pension contributions and other payments are added to his £92,000 salary.

At Ribble Valley Borough Council, one member of staff earned a six-figure salary, chief executive, Marshal Scott, who earned £117,518.

Lancashire County Council had the highest number of people earning the top rate, with chief executive Angie Ridgwell taking home £228,019, more than £10,000 a month after tax.

READ MORE: Blackburn with Darwen Council spends £600,000 with electric vans

She was one of 16 staff, the same as the previous year, to be on six-figure sums, which also included executive director for education and children’s services Edwina Grant, on £175,925.

A Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council spokesperson said: “It’s important to note there is no need for anyone to wait for the TaxPayers’ Alliance annual ‘rich list’ press release, as our directors’ salaries are readily available for anyone to view on the Council’s website.

"This information is available all year round as part of our transparency and annual accounts.

“The salaries the Council pays to its senior staff running vital services are aligned to pay arrangements for chief officials across the sector which, of course reflects the vast and varied level of responsibility for the roles concerned.

"The responsibility they hold is huge and wide ranging – with the Council delivering more than 800 different services.

READ MORE: Blackburn with Darwen Council sets out 'ambitious' plans for future

“These are important roles which require specialist knowledge and experience – being accountable and running services such as adults and children’s social care, legal, public protection, housing through to finance to name just a few of these areas.”

Across the UK, at least 2,759 employees received more than £100,000 in remuneration, of which 721 received £150,000 or more.

The local authority with the greatest number of total employees receiving total remuneration over £100,000 was Westminster, with 50 employees, while the highest remunerated council employee was the managing director of Guildford Council Sue Sturgeon, receiving £607,633 in total remuneration.

John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: "Taxpayers facing record council tax rises want to be sure they are getting value for money from their local authority leadership.

“Many authorities continue with extremely generous pay and perks, including bonuses and golden goodbyes, while local people are facing a financial squeeze.

“Residents can use these figures to hold their local town hall bosses to account.”