Bristol City Council refuses to disclose new top boss’s taxpayer-funded salary

Bristol City Council has appointed a new chief executive – but is refusing to reveal his taxpayer-funded salary. Full council unanimously approved the cross-party selection committee’s recommendation to offer the job to Nick Hibberd.

But when BristolLive asked the local authority how much he would earn, we were referred instead to its pay policy statement which gives only the bands of senior officers, which in the case of the chief exec and head of paid service is currently between £175,998 and £187,163. The refusal to disclose the wage is despite the fact it will become public knowledge when the council’s next annual accounts are published.

However, a source has told BristolLive that Mr Hibberd, who has more than 25 years’ experience at the top level of local government and most recently worked for London Borough of Croydon’s corporate management team, will be paid near the top end of the salary scale. That is similar to the last permanent postholder Stephen Peacock who was poached by the West of England Combined Authority (Weca) into the same role earlier this year with a wage increase of about £18,000 a year to £205,000 – a figure Weca gave readily when we asked.

Mr Hibberd, who previously worked in various senior roles at Brighton and Hove City Council, will replace interim chief executive Paul Martin on January 6, following the full council decision on Tuesday, October 8. Speaking after the selection committee’s decision last month, the incoming top officer said: “I’m delighted to be recommended to such a fantastic role.

“Bristol is an incredible city, I recognise its potential as one of the UK’s most vibrant, dynamic, and innovative cities, and I am really looking forward to meeting you all. I recognise Bristol, like many councils, faces significant financial challenges, and I know a lot of work is already going into transforming services.

“I bring with me extensive experience in designing and delivering savings and transformational programmes to address challenging financial circumstances, whilst at the same time ensuring that basic services are delivered well. I want us to be a council focused upon delivering for and listening to our residents and businesses, and meeting the needs of the city’s communities consistently and sustainably.

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“Equally as important to me is championing an inclusive, high performing, healthy and motivated workforce. I look forward to having the chance to work alongside all of you to ensure we are delivering an ambitious future for both the council and the city.

“I’m looking forward to working with the political leadership and council staff in enabling Bristol to become a city of hope and aspiration where everyone can share in its success.” Council leader and selection committee chairman Cllr Tony Dyer (Green, Southville) said at the time: “The role of chief executive is to lead the organisation to achieve our political priorities and the best outcomes for residents, improve our services and make them fit for the future.

“The role also requires someone who can be an ambassador for the city across the wider region and nationally, working in collaboration with partners to meet the future needs of the city. After a thorough recruitment process, I’m delighted we have been able to recommend Nick as our next permanent chief executive.

“In Nick I believe we have someone who embodies the council’s values and brings with him many years of local government experience and expertise. I look forward to introducing Nick to full council in October.”

Mr Hibberd sat next to Cllr Dyer at the dais at the meeting. Councillors also unanimously approved the selection committee’s recommendation to appoint Andy Rothery as the new permanent director of finance. He will also start on January 6.