A LOCAL authority in the North-East has approved a 25 per cent pay increase for its chief executive, putting him on a higher wage than Government ministers.

At a special meeting of Middlesbrough Borough Council's cabinet yesterday, councillors agreed to boost John Foster's salary from £100,000 to £125,000.

The decision came only hours after Prime Minister Tony Blair raised his own wage to £163,000 and cabinet members' to £118,000.

Last night, independent councillor Ron Lowes, who was the only person at the meeting to oppose Mr Foster's rise, was furious.

"I don't disagree with those who suggest that the chief executive does a good job, but I can see no justification whatsoever for an increase of 25 per cent," he added.

"They suggest that he's met targets and done a good job, but that's the case for everyone employed by the authority.

"I think the decision is appalling.

"It sends out a totally wrong message to other officers of the authority."

Mr Foster attracted controversy over his last pay review, in 1999, when he was granted an extra £20,000 on top of his salary to buy a car.

Council leader Coun Ken Walker defended the latest rise: "I can more than justify the very modest £25,000 investment. The real world says that people make choices, and it would be very remiss in anyone not retaining the quality they have found."

Coun Walker highlighted the authority's progress under Mr Foster, including its success in securing millions of pounds for renewal projects.

Chief executive salaries:

Stockton Borough Council - George Garlick, £110,000

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council - Colin Moore, £85,000

Hartlepool Borough Council - Brian Dinsdale, refused to disclose

Sunderland City Council - Colin Sinclair - £100,000

Newcastle City Council - Kevin Lavery, £120,000