David Cameron Increased Advisers' Pay By Up To 24%, Analysis Says

David Cameron gave some of his special advisers large pay rises just months before they were handed generous severance packages, according to a report.

An analysis by Civil Service World found the former prime minister increased the salary of some of his advisers, known as spads, by as much as £18,000 - or up to 24%.

The double digit hikes were ordered despite pay rises being capped at 1% in the public sector.

Trade unions and taxpayer groups hit out at the disclosure, saying the increases were "shameful" at a time when Government departments have faced cuts.

Dave Penman, general secretary of the FDA union, which represents senior officials, told Civil Service World: "It would seem hypocrisy knows no bounds from a prime minister who preached pay restraint and austerity to public servants and the public, whilst at the same time awarding double-digit pay rises to his special advisers."

He added: "It will be a further body blow to the morale of thousands of hard-working civil servants to learn that the very same special advisers who received enhanced redundancy terms from the outgoing prime minister also received pay rises of up to 24% in one year."

John O'Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: "Taxpayers will be shocked at the size of these increases at a time of necessary spending restraint.

"While spads can help ministers implement their decisions it's important to strike a balance and deliver value for taxpayers.

"Politicians talk about bringing down the cost of politics but it's important to follow it up with action."

The revelations come just a month after it emerged Mr Cameron overruled civil service advice and boosted the golden goodbyes he gave his special advisers.

He ignored concerns raised by civil service chief executive John Manzoni to hand his staff an extra £282,000 in severance pay because of his resignation.

Seven out of 10 of the Downing Street advisers reappointed after last year's general election - and who therefore became entitled to bigger severance packages - received pay rises of up to 24% in 2015, according to Civil Service World.

This far outstripped the 2% average pay award across the private sector in 2015.

A Cabinet Office spokeswoman said: "Decisions about special adviser salaries take into account various factors including the level of responsibility associated with a particular role and the background and experience of the individual concerned.

"These increases, which were agreed by the then Prime Minister, reflected changes to the scope and range of responsibility in the roles of a number of special advisers following their reappointment after the 2015 general election."