THE new police chief constable of Essex is to earn more than £190,000 per year when he takes up the post next week, the police authority has confirmed.

The remuneration package for incoming Stephen Kavanagh, who starts work on May 7, is £192,163 and includes allowances.

It is at the top end of the available pay scale.

The total is slightly less than current Chief Constable Jim Barker McCardle’s package, which was £201,555 in 2011/12 including pension contributions.

The remuneration for chief constables is subject to the provisions of the Police Act 1996, the Police Regulations 2003 and subsequent amendments and determinations by the Secretary of State.

Essex’s recently-elected Police and Crime Commissioner Nick Alston has the power to set the chief constable’s basic pay within a 10% range, but only at the time that the appointment is made. Mr Alston said Mr Kavanagh was an “exceptional police officer” who currently holds an important position as deputy assistant commissioner in the Metropolitan Police Service and deserved to be paid at the top end of the scale.

He said: “During the selection process, Stephen’s passion to lead Essex Police for a full four years and to serve the people of Essex was crystal clear.

“We had an outstanding field of candidates, of whom Stephen was the very best. Therefore, I have decided to use the discretion given to me under the legislation to ensure that Stephen is remunerated at the top end of the agreed national range.”

He added: “Essex Police is one of the largest employers in Essex, and I find it hard to imagine a more important job than keeping us all safe. I am confident that Stephen will work tirelessly on behalf of the people of Essex.”

In addition to his salary, all Essex Police officers of assistant chief constable rank and above are entitled to a flat rate allowance of 15% of salary. As Mr Kavanagh began his police service prior to September 1, 1994 he is also entitled to a housing allowance.

Sir Bob Russell, MP for Colchester, said he was pleased that Mr Kavanagh would be earning slightly less than his predecessor.

He said: “While many people, myself included, do question why the chief constable of Essex should be paid more than the Prime Minister, at least in this instance the salary is comparable, if not slightly less, than the chief constable he is taking over from.”

Eleanor McGrath, campaign manager of TaxPayers’ Alliance, added: “At a time when Essex Police are having to make some tough spending decisions, it’s important that the chief constable is not immune from having to find savings.

“Taxpayers expect the new chief constable to head a force which keeps them safe while delivering value for taxpayers’ money, protecting frontline officers and cutting out unnecessary bureaucracy.”