The top boss at Newham Council currently earns more than the Prime Minister, according to figures collated by a campaign group.

The Taxpayers’ Alliance claimed Kim Bromley-Derry was paid �234,783 in combined salary and pension in 2010/11, up by almost one fifth on the previous year.

However, he was promoted from the role of executive director for children, families, and young people during that year.

The figures also showed director for regeneration and inward investment Clive Dutton, who joined from Birmingham City Council in 2009, received a salary of �170,040 and pension of more than �40,000 in the same period.

But the authority disputed the figures and pointed out they expect to save �114 million in the next four years,

A spokesman said: “The figures supplied by this interest group are wrong and we would have helped them correct them had they contacted us prior to publication.

“As a result of rigorous management reviews we in fact now have fewer senior managers, a number of whom taken pay cuts while at the same time taking on greater work responsibilities.

“We are making substantial savings while continuing to prioritise vital services for our residents.”

The figures also claim to show the former chief executive Joe Duckworth, who left in 2010, received a �20,000 pay off. Robert Heaton, executive director of resources, took a 10 per cent pay cut in 2010/11.

Matthew Elliot, from the Taxpayers’ Alliance, said: “Taxpayers will be astonished that so many council employees are still getting such a generous deal while everyone else in the public sector is facing a pay freeze.

These council executives must ensure they have the moral authority to lead necessary spending cuts, in many cases that will mean taking a pay cut themselves.”

The council spokesman said it has reduced its use of consultants and temporary workers, and changed staff terms and conditions in order to push through planned savings.

He added: “This has helped us to achieve the lowest council tax rate in outer London and freexe council tax for three successive years.

“As a result of the 2011/12 senior management restructure, we have removed six executive and divisional director posts, saving council taxpayers �750,000 per year going forward.”