National park officers to get up to 20% pay rise

Senior officers at the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) are set to receive pay rises of up to 20%, following a review of staff salaries.

Members of the authority voted to change salary bandings at a private meeting in December, after hiring consultants to compare their pay with other public sector bodies.

Changes could mean directors and heads of department would receive increases of between 10% and 20%, on top of a 3% pay rise for all staff.

The full details were included in a confidential report, which the authority has declined to release.

The authority said it had commissioned the review to "ensure we remain competitive, fair and compliant with equal pay good practice".

They said it had been more than ten years since the last "comprehensive review".

A spokesperson added: "The finance and resources committee considered the report in private session in December because it contained confidential financial modelling and staffing information.

"This is an appropriate and routine use of an exemption under the Local Government Act when discussing sensitive matters."

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the recommendations would not reduce anyone's salary, and any progression within grades would follow normal national arrangements.

A YDNPA spokesperson added: "Around half of our workforce would see a positive impact under these proposals.

"For the remaining roles, pay levels are already close to the market median and are therefore expected to stay broadly the same.

"We are now undertaking a formal consultation process with staff and the trade union."

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