Waste boss paid nearly £250k for 10 months

The head of Bristol waste's wage has been described as "eye-watering"

The top boss at Bristol Waste was paid £224,000 for just over 10 months’ work last year, new figures reveal.

Dave Knight has been interim managing director of the city council-owned company since 22 May 2023, and remains in the role more than 12 months later, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

His services at the helm of the firm cost a total of £224,203 in salary, fees and allowances between his start date up to the end of March 2024, according to the local authority’s recently-published 2023/24 draft statement of accounts.

The salary was described as "eye-watering" by one councillor.

Conservative Jonathan Hucker, a qualified accountant and member of the audit committee, said it was "difficult to see" how the salary was justified.

“My residents in Stockwood ward frequently find that their bins and recycling are not collected.

“Executive pay at this level is completely excessive given the company fails to provide a satisfactory service.”

Mr Knight's salary was published as part of a report into the council's highest-earning employees.

'Standard business practice'

A Bristol Waste spokesperson said: "We can confirm that interim managing director Dave Knight continues to lead Bristol Waste Company during a period of turnaround and transformation, and that the company is currently recruiting for a permanent managing director."

The company said the salary was in line with "standard business practices" and reflected the fact Mr Knight is a specialist.

"As a company owned by Bristol City Council, salaries of Bristol Waste Company senior personnel are published within the Bristol City Council annual accounts," it added.

The city council said it would not comment on individual contracts or terms of employment.