Think-tank wants reforms to control quango salaries

More than half of quango bosses are paid a higher salary than a Scottish Government cabinet secretary, according to research by a think-tank.

Reform Scotland highlighted the difference in pay as part of a call to curb bumper salaries and make the system more “transparent”.

A report by the group is based on details for 58 of 72 quangos in Scotland.

It shows 39 earn more than a cabinet secretary and 19 earn as much as First Minister Alex Salmond, who is on around £140,000.

The chief of Scottish Enterprise earns about £200,000 double that of finance secretary John Swinney.

The chief of every health body earns as much or more than health secretary Alex Neil who, like Mr Swinney, is on about £100,000.

Reform Scotland says most quanogos should be re-integrated into government departments, giving ministers accountability for decisions.