The paypacket of Surrey County Council's chief executive has been under the spotlight this week, after it was revealed he is paid more than Prime Minister David Cameron.

David McNulty receives an annual salary of £215,000, about £70,000 more than David Cameron's £142,500 wages.

A resident of Cobham, who did not wish to be named, said: "I'm shocked but not surprised, since we pay the highest council tax in the country in Elmbridge. I'd quite like to know why they are worth it."

The news has been particularly galling after Surrey County Council approved a rise in council tax and and proposed closing children's centres within the county, as the council looks for savings of £2.7m.

Mr McNulty was due to get a bonus of £100,000 in 2018 but Mr McNulty said he would not accept it.

A council spokesman said: "The chief executive has responsibility for a budget of £1.7bn and has guided the county council to achieving savings of £260m in the past four years and is now steering it to a further £330m savings by 2019."