ESSEX County Council has come under fire after it emerged it has the second-highest number of staff paid more than £100,000 a year.

Campaign group the Taxpayers’ Alliance has published its annual Town Hall Rich List, which reveals County Hall is only behind Glasgow City Council for the number of staff it has on huge salaries.

In 2012/13, 30 members of staff were given a renumeration package of more than £100,000.

That includes chief executive Joanna Killian, shared with Brentwood Council, who took home a total package of £236,649 that year.

That includes a base salary of £210,000.

County Hall did not reveal the job titles of the 29 other staff.

Jonathan Isaby, chief executive of the Taxpayer’s Alliance, said: “Taxpayers expect their council to be filling potholes, not pay packets.

“Many rank-and-file staff in local councils will be equally appalled.

“At a time when councils across the country are freezing pay, it appears the money they’re saving is being used to line the pockets of town hall tycoon.”