Behan and Gilbert among Whitehall’s top earners

Adult care mandarin David Behan (pictured) and Ofsted chief inspector Christine Gilbert are among Whitehall’s top earners, a list of the highest-paid civil servants published by the government today reveals.

The earnings of Behan, director general of social care, local government and care partnerships, fall in the £180,000-£184,999 banding, placing him on the list of officials paid more than the prime minister, who earns £142,000 a year.

Five senior members of Ofsted’s staff are also on the list. Gilbert is the highest paid, on £195,000-£199,999, and social care director John Goldup receives £150,000-£154,999.

The DH has 11 officials on the list, headed by NHS chief executive David Nicholson, whose salary is quoted as £255,000, including £45,000-£50,000 in kind to cover rent and expenses.

By contrast with the DH, just one Department for Education official – permanent secretary David Bell (£180,000-£184,999) – is listed.

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