Workers have said they are angry at the number of Kent County Council staff on high salaries after a survey found it has more than 400 managers earning £50,000 or more a year.

“A disgrace”, “disgusting leeches” and “we must be mugs” were just some of the comments at the news the 407 managers cost the taxpayer more than £26million in 2007-2008.

It makes Kent the eighth-biggest spender on top earners of all authorities and the salaries cost each resident £18.81 a year.

The survey was conducted by the campaign group the Taxpayers Alliance.

Robert from Ashford said: “A disgrace. Cut their salaries. I’m sure there are plenty of better qualified people who are unemployed and would be glad to do the job for less than £50,000 a year.

“KCC is just a big gravy train. When was the last time a manager got sacked for poor performance?”

Sam James from Dartford said: “They chose the best job to be in: politics. Rob from the poor to feed the rich. Disgusting leeches.”

Jon from Ashford added: “Unfortunately KCC have been getting away with this for six or seven years now. They believe they are above the law and in spite of all the expressions of outrage left here and elsewhere, nothing will happen.

“The fat cats will carry on helping themselves and doing nothing for the people of Kent.”

There was some support though for the large numbers of people on high salaries.

Someone who left their name as “I agree with it actually” from Kent said: “Managers salaries reflect the job they do - there are often tens, if not hundreds, of staff below them.

“To reduce the manager’s wage would put them on par with those with less responsibility. Perhaps people would like it if the lower grade staff reduced their wage in line with managers? I think not.

“Local government is a fair, honest and respected employer and the salaries reflect the hard work and criticism these people frequently get.”

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