Gravesham council has been criticised by the Taxpayers’ Alliance for keeping the salaries of senior staff hush hush.

The earnings of some of Kent’s council bosses have been revealed in a survey showing the number of town hall staff paid more than £100,000.

But the borough council has not disclosed details, refusing to provide the information sought under the Freedom of Information Act.

The results were requested by the Taxpayers’ Alliance (TPA) to highlight the highest paid local government officials.

Gravesham council was not prepared to say who its highest paid senior staff members were or how many earn more than £100,000.

A spokesman said: “As a general rule, the council does not comment on individual’s salaries without consent and regards it as a data protection issue regardless of what type of request is being made.”

However the campaign director for the TPA thinks it’s disgraceful it will not reveal the information and is to challenge the decision.

Mark Wallace said: “Councils are paid for and elected by local people and they should have the automatic right to look into the way the council works.”

Leader of Gravesham council, Mike Snelling said: “It was not a political decision, it’s a matter of policy.

"I think the pubic have got a right to know the salary levels, but I remain to be convinced that it’s a great idea to name names. I think it’s down to the individuals themselves."

The full survey can be seen at the Taxpayers' Alliance website.