THE PAY and perks enjoyed by those working for the district council, including triple time, have been described as “phenomenal” and extremely generous when compared to those received elsewhere.

St Albans district councillors recently scrutinised staff entitlements at a cabinet meeting.

Employees who work longer than 37 hours a week are entitled to claim time-and-a-half overtime from Monday to Saturday, or double time on Sundays and any public and extra statutory holidays.

Councillors questioned a policy where employees working on bank, public or statutory holidays were entitled to double time “enhancement” for the hours worked on those days, in addition to half a day’s or full day’s leave, with pay.

Councillors Julie Bell and Julian Daly described the pay policy as, “extremely generous”.

Cllr Beric Read added: “I don’t know any company that would give anything like this.”

He said it was “phenomenal” staff could effectively be paid triple time and receive time off in lieu.

Amanda Foley, head of human resources, said the council was bound by nationally negotiated agreements on employment terms and conditions, including pay.

Chief executive officer Daniel Goodwin said: “Staff are aware that we have got severe financial pressures on us, like all councils, and we need to think about what we do about that.”

Cllr Daly said: “I hope the council staff realise how well they are looked after.”

Under its car lease scheme, the council contributes up to a maximum of �1,850 per annum towards employees’ car lease costs.

The council will publicise its policies on staff pay on its website later this month.

Under the Localism Act 2011, the council is now obliged to produce a transparent pay policy statement each year and publish it externally, once approved by full council.

The aim of the Act is to ensure that councillors, who are accountable to the local community, have control over pay policy decisions.