Havering Chief Executive Declines Pay Increase

Havering Council’s Chief Executive, Andrew Blake-Herbert, has announced at Full Council that he will not be taking a pay rise, despite being eligible for an increase as part of a wider salary review.

The role of Chief Executive is the highest-paid position within the local authority, with a salary scale ranging from £189,786 to £196,755. Blake-Herbert, who has been in post since 2016, is responsible for overseeing more than 3,000 council staff (excluding school staff) and managing a budget of approximately £500 million across vital services, including social care, libraries, parks, schools, and road maintenance.

The Chief Executive’s role is non-political, requiring impartiality in providing advice and support to councillors across all parties. In addition to his duties running the council, Blake-Herbert also serves as Returning Officer, ensuring local elections are conducted fairly. He does not receive bonuses or overtime payments, but has previously received separate payments for election duties, including £8,348 for overseeing the EU Referendum.

Havering’s Executive Leadership Team, which includes the Chief Executive, Chief Operating Officer, and other directors, is responsible for delivering over 300 council services daily. The team is tasked with maintaining a high-performing local authority, driving improvements, and working in partnership to enhance services for residents.

Despite the increasing financial pressures on local councils, Blake-Herbert’s decision to decline a pay rise comes at a time when Havering is facing significant budget challenges. The council continues to explore cost-saving measures while striving to deliver essential services efficiently.

A spokesperson for Havering Council said:

“Due the financial circumstances the council finds itself in, because of the extreme pressures it faces from the cost of delivering services and the year-on-year cuts in Government funding, the Chief Executive feels it isn’t appropriate to accept a pay rise.”

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