National Employers for local government services
Kathryn Hall
Honorary Secretary ALACE
Officers’ Side Secretary
JNC for Chief Executives of Local Authorities
24 March 2026
Dear Kathryn,
CHIEF EXECUTIVE PAY 2026
Thank you to you and Duncan for taking the time today to meet with the National Employers to discuss your pay claim.
As you know, following receipt of your claim last December, the National Employers consulted councils and met initially on 24 February to discuss the key themes to come out of those sessions. They then adjourned for private political discussions before reconvening today.
After a lengthy discussion, and recognising the realities of the economic context, they agreed that making a full and final offer would provide certainty from the outset to you and your members.
The National Employers therefore wish to make the following full and final, one-year (1 April 2026 to 31 March 2027) offer:
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With effect from 1 April 2026, an increase of 3.30 per cent on basic salary1
The National Employers hope this full and final offer can promptly form the basis of an agreement between the two Sides so that Chief Executives, who continue to provide such critical support to their communities, can receive this award as soon as is practicable.
Yours sincerely
Naomi Cooke
Employers’ Secretary
1 Basic salary should exclude other separately identified payments such as Returning Officer fees etc