1 June 2010 | Lindsay Clark
The head of the UK’s Office of Government Commerce, Nigel Smith, earns more than the prime minister, figures out today reveal.
And at least two of Smith’s staff - OGC programme director David Shields, and major projects executive director David Pitchford – take home even more than their CEO.
Official figures released by the Cabinet Office show that Shields earns between £205,000 and £209,999 a year, Pitchford makes £200,000-£204,999, while their boss, Nigel Smith earns between £185,000 and £189,999 annually.
The calculations cover the annual pay rate, including taxable benefits and allowances, for civil servants earning more than £150,000 a year. The prime minister earns £142,500 annually.
The OGC is an independent office of HM Treasury, set up to help the government deliver best value from its spending.
Alison Littley, chief executive of the OGC’s commercial arm, Buying Solutions, earns £150,000-£154,999 a year.
Other civil servants working in procurement who had their salaries publish include Les Mosco, director, commercial defence equipment and support at the Ministry of Defence (MoD). He earns between £165,000 and £169,999 a year.
Andrew Manley, director general, defence commercial at the MoD earns £195,000-£199,999, while Susanna Mason, director of industrial relationships at the MoD earns £160,000-£164,999, the documents show.
Sir Kevin O’Donoghue, chief of defence materiel at the MoD makes £175,000-£179,999 and Andrew Tyler, chief operating officer at the MoD’s Defence Equipment and Support earns between £200,000 and £204,999.
Publishing earnings data would make government more open, according to Francis Maude, minister for the Cabinet Office.
“Transparency is at the heart of the government’s programme, which is why the Cabinet Office, at the heart of government is taking the lead. All departments will open up their data in the weeks ahead.
“We are pulling back the curtains to let light into the corridors of power. By being open and accountable we can start to win back people’s trust. Openness will not be comfortable for us in government; but it will enable the public to hold our feet to the fire. Transparency is key to our efficiency drive, and will enable the public to help us to deliver better value for money in public spending.”
