DISTRICT council bosses have been told “it is the wrong time” to expect a pay rise after members voted by 21 to 13 against a motion to increase pay for top officers.

The council’s executive board had wanted to reward the managing director, his deputy and three middle managers with salary increases of between £5,000 and £12,000.

Leader Paul Middlebrough said it was necessary to retain key members of staff. But at a full council meeting on Tuesday night Conservative and Liberal Democrats voted together in opposition to the proposals.

Coun Middlebrough, the ward member for Drakes Broughton, said senior staff had taken on more responsibility and higher workloads in recent months, and that it was important they received pay to reflect this.

He said: “We need top level managers to drive efficiency and help us achieve our aim of producing more for less. I do not believe this represents over payment. New police chiefs earn about £140,000, while some teachers and doctors earn over £120,000.”

By comparison, Wychavon’s managing director Jack Hegarty received a salary of £107,592 for 2010/2011, while the deputy managing director, Vic Allison received £78,314.

Coun Margaret Rowley, the member for Bowbrook, said: “This is absolutely the wrong time for this proposal to be put forward. When I mentioned this to my parish council they were appalled.

“I don’t think the increase in the managing director’s salary is justified. It’s where it should be and is broadly consistent with other Worcestershire districts.

There will be no problem in recruiting other officers should they want to leave.”

Coun Judy Pearce, ward member for Dodderhill, said: “We have been open and transparent about this and it’s right to reward those who have taken up extra work.”

But members argued it wasn’t just the managers who had taken on extra work and the council was in danger of “promoting elitism”.

Evesham councillor Frances Smith said: “Mr Hegarty has chosen not to take any rise which comes his way for two years, which I believe shows other staff the way forward. I feel we may even have embarrassed him.

"I think it was irresponsible for the district council to bring this in now and I think the council is in danger of promoting elitism.”

Coun Middlebrough refuted this suggestion but members voted 21 to 13, against a recommendation to approve the pay rises, with eight abstentions.

Wychavon District Council is currently seeking to make £1 million in savings over the next two years and most staff have had a pay freeze since 2009.