Essex Police Authority's chairman has defended his annual pay - saying he's worth £1 million.

Robert Chambers, the chairman of Essex Police Authority has defended his pay packet. Picture: ADRIAN RUSHTON (37467-2)

Robert Chambers was paid £25,087 from April 2003 to 2004, made up of an £18,050 basic allowance plus expenses. This year, after a three per cent rise for all members, he will earn £18,600 plus any expenses.

Asked whether he thought that was justified, he said: "I am available to members of the public 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

"Who else does that? I get paid £18,600 a year. If I were at a company and doing that I'd expect to be on £1 million a year."

Mr Chambers said police authority chairmen in other parts of the country are paid more, with most of them getting more than £20,000.

He said: "If the authority didn't think I was doing the job properly I wouldn't get the money I do."

More in today's Evening Gazette

Published Tuesday, September 7, 2004

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette