Cumbria Combined Authority Pay Structure Revealed with Six-Figure Salaries at the Top
The pay structure for staff at the new Cumbria Combined Authority (CCA) has been agreed, with senior roles earning six-figure salaries as the organisation begins to take shape.
The structure is divided into tiers, with the highest-paid positions at the top of the organisation responsible for leading major areas such as transport, investment and regional growth.
Top Pay Tier and Senior Salaries
The highest pay tier, Tier One, includes the Chief Executive, Executive Directors and Directors.
- The Chief Executive salary starts at £138,960
- Executive Directors earn between £117,064 and £131,296
- Directors receive between £98,453 and £103,927
These roles carry overall responsibility for strategy, funding and long-term planning across Cumbria.
Assistant Director Pay Levels
The next level, Tier Two, covers Assistant Directors and is split into two bands:
- Level One Assistant Directors (senior management team) earn £85,000 to £86,408
- Level Two Assistant Directors earn £81,049 to £83,933
These positions support senior leadership and oversee key services and projects.
How This Compares to Local Wages
The salaries at the top of the Combined Authority are significantly higher than typical earnings across Cumbria.
Average full-time wages in the county are generally estimated to fall between £28,000 and £32,000 per year, depending on role and sector.
This means:
- the Chief Executive role pays more than four times the local average
- even Assistant Director roles are well above typical regional salaries
Why the Salaries Are Higher
Supporters of the structure say the higher pay reflects the scale of responsibility.
The Combined Authority will oversee:
- long-term investment decisions
- transport and infrastructure planning
- economic growth strategies
It will also manage significant funding, including £333 million over 30 years, requiring experienced leadership.
Public Spending and Expectations
The pay structure may raise questions about public sector spending, particularly at a time when many households face rising costs.
However, leaders argue that competitive salaries are needed to:
- attract experienced professionals
- ensure strong decision-making
- deliver long-term value for the region
What It Means for Cumbria
The new pay framework highlights the growing importance of the Combined Authority in shaping Cumbria’s future.
With high-level roles now defined, attention will turn to recruitment and how effectively the organisation delivers results.
Looking Ahead
As the authority develops ahead of a mayoral election in 2027, its leadership and pay structure are likely to remain under scrutiny.
How these roles translate into real improvements for transport, jobs and investment will be key to judging its success.
