THURROCK councillors are likely to "grit their teeth" and sanction a four per cent pay rise which could see top pay for a chief executive hit £206,000 a year.

The increase was recommended by an independent pay review panel but senior councillors who voted to reject the pay hike in the face of huge council debts were unaware that the council was legally bound to sanction the panel's decision.

At a subsequent meeting, chief executive, Dr Dave Smith, informed councillors the council could face legal action, with senior managers turning to tribunals to get an award. Mr Smith said not granting the pay award would also damage the council's ability to attract good candidates for senior management positions.

A report to next week's full council meeting shows three pay grades for the council's chief executive and directors.

A top grade chief executive will cost the council £206,000 a year, falling to £193,500 for a mid-tier chief executive and £176,500 for the lowest grade.

A top flight director will take home £160,000 while a top assistant director will receive £110, 500.

Members of the General Services Committee originally voted against the pay increase.

Those pay scales do not include the likely pension payments, whioch will also be substantial.

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It would appear councillors now have little choice but to rubber stamp the award despite the council's s114 notice which effectively declared it bankrupt.

Cllr Fraser Massey, Independent councillor for East Tilbury, said: "It seems we don't really have a choice. If we don't put this through it leaves the council open to legal challenge.

"I don't think general services, when they first decided to refuse this, were given enough advice from the officers on the ramifications of that decision.

"Personally I would have done the same and voted against it but I can't see how we can now.

"We've been told it would leave the council with huge holes if it was to be tested in court. I think it will go through but with gritted teeth."

Conservative councillor Luke Spillman, says he will continue to oppose the pay rises, saying: "I will of course be opposing the four per cent rise in senior management pay. I'm staggered that our senior management team are so detached from public sentiment on this matter.

"The senior management are a collective body. A collective body that bankrupted a council.

"A senior management team that allowed a course of events to unfold that will have serious consequences for every resident in Thurrock for many years to come.

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"The idea that they should be rewarded with a pay-rise for these failings is abhorrent."

If approved at Wednesday's council meeting the pay increase will be backdated to April.