Seven council chiefs in Barnet received pay packets of more than £100,000 in the previous financial year.

The figures are revealed in the Town Hall Rich List for 2018-19, published on Wednesday (April 15) by campaign group the TaxPayers’ Alliance (TPA).

Among the highest-paid earners are chief executive John Hooton and deputy chief executive Cath Shaw, who both received more than £150,000.

The TPA focuses on total remuneration – which includes loss of office payments and benefits such as pensions, as well as basic salaries.

Last year, Barnet had 12 employees on the Town Hall Rich List.

Essex County Council topped the TPA’s UK-wide remuneration table for 2018-19, with 35 employees receiving more than £100,000.

In London, Haringey had the highest number of employees receiving in excess of £100,000 – although school headteachers are included in its data, which is not the case for many other local authorities.

The TPA has called on local authorities to freeze council tax and focus on frontline services as the country deals with the Covid-19 public health emergency.

John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “The coronavirus crisis means that frontline council services are more crucial than ever, but at the same time household budgets face an enormous squeeze from crushing council tax rises.

“There are plenty of talented people in local authorities who are focused on delivering more for less, but that is needed across the board. The country needs every council to cut out waste and prioritise key services without resorting to punishing tax hikes on their residents.

“These figures should shine a light on the town hall bosses who’ve got it right, but also allow taxpayers to hold to account those who aren’t delivering value for money at this critical time.”

Barnet Council has been approached for comment.