Conservative Councillor Questions Effectiveness of Market Supplements at Sunderland City Council
Concerns have been raised over the use of taxpayer-funded market supplements for senior directors at Sunderland City Council, following the departure of two high-profile staff members in recent years despite receiving these additional payments. Conservative Councillor for Fulwell, Michael Hartnack, has called into question the value and transparency of the policy, arguing that it fails to deliver on its intended purpose of retaining talent.
The issue came to light following a recent HR Committee report, which Cllr Hartnack says underscores the flaws in the market supplement system. The supplements, designed to make salaries competitive with the private sector and retain senior staff, have been under scrutiny after Jon Ritchie, former Director of Finance, and Jill Colbert, former Director of People and Change, left the Council despite receiving the additional payments.
In a strongly worded statement, Cllr Michael Hartnack said:
"The HR Committee report once again highlights the dubious use of market supplements which the Conservative Group continues to oppose - and the evidence against them is strong. Firstly, the departure of both Jon Ritchie and Jill Colbert in recent years is proof enough that these do not work: senior members of staff who, despite being in receipt of a market supplement, were not persuaded to stay with the organisation.It is also questionable that new members of staff who have just joined the organisation are already on market supplements. These people have just left one organisation to join us so it is not likely they will be looking to leave immediately. Moreover, they joined the organisation and applied for their role in the first place on the basis of the salary advertised. If a market supplement is needed so early on in their time at the Council, doesn’t this imply that the original salary was insufficient? Wouldn’t it be more transparent overall to just offer a salary that is attractive enough to keep individuals with the organisation rather than topping up their pay?"
Cllr Hartnack and the Conservative Group are urging the Council to reconsider its reliance on market supplements, advocating instead for a more straightforward and sustainable approach to remuneration. They argue that the current system not only fails to retain staff but also raises questions about the adequacy of base salaries and the use of public funds.
The departures of Jon Ritchie and Jill Colbert have intensified the debate, with critics pointing to their exits as evidence that the supplements are an ineffective tool for retention. The Conservative Group is now calling for a full review of the policy to ensure taxpayer money is spent wisely and that the Council remains an attractive employer without the need for additional financial incentives.
