New police IT chief to be paid three times Cameron's salary

Advising on pay: Lord Wasserman
12 April 2012

The head of a new police IT company will be paid more than three times the Prime Minister's salary of £142,500 under plans being drawn up by one of David Cameron's most senior advisers.

Lord Wasserman, who advises on policing and criminal justice, wants the chief executive of the company, which will begin operating next year, to earn at least £500,000.

A senior Whitehall official said: "It is an article of faith for him. He thinks that is the only way to guarantee good leadership." Much of the money is likely to be in bonuses.

Keith Vaz, the chairman of the Commons Home Affairs select committee, said: "I will be very concerned if a person is appointed on such high pay - £500,000 is twice the salary of the new head of the National Crime Agency or the salary of the Metropolitan Police Commissioner.

"The Home Office does not have a good record with IT projects and I will be writing to Lord Wasserman asking him to explain to the committee what he has in mind and why."

Home Secretary Theresa May decided to form the IT company to help cut the £1.2 billion bill for police computers. At present, many forces have their own systems which are often unable to communicate with each other. Most of their functions will be handed to the new company.

Lord Wasserman, who ran a consultancy on policing before being appointed to the Lords by Mr Cameron, is chairman of the board which is overseeing the company's creation.

The Home Office said no decision had been taken on the new chief executive's salary but it would be less than £500,000.

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