THE NUMBER of employees earning in excess of £100,000-a-year at Liverpool City Council has doubled in just one year, according to figures unearthed by the Labour opposition.

In the 2006/07 financial year 12 earned more than £100,000 but the following year the number was 26, a Freedom of Information request has revealed.

Last night Labour leader Cllr Joe Anderson said: "When we are facing cuts in services from this administration it amazes me that money can be found to pay fat cat salaries.

"It seems to me the only thing improving in this council is the pay packet of senior officials."

Liverpool council said of the 26, four are head teachers, whose salaries are set by the government, and another senior post has been made redundant.

"The remaining 21 staff are responsible for services vital for the future success and prosperity of the city," said a spokesman.

"Most lead departments with a legal responsibility for the safety and care of thousands of vulnerable people and the education of 67,000 children.

"The council is the city’s biggest employer with a turnover of a billion pounds a year.

"We take independent, expert advice before recruiting to these posts on the right level of salary needed to attract the best possible staff.

"The overall number of senior managers at the council has been reduced dramatically over the past decade.

"Salary levels are comparable with other local authorities of a similar size, and in most cases, are substantially less than equivalent posts in the private sector.

"Eight of the 21 posts have just nudged into the £100,000 pay bracket following last year’s pay award, which was negotiated nationally."