One-third of all councils now have an annual remuneration committee to investigate the pay and rewards of their top staff. The figures have been revealed for the first time in the latest workforce survey from the Local Government Association. The news comes as SOLACE director general, David Clark, denied media reports of a ‘crisis' in chief executive recruitment and retention. However, he claimed that the elections, and changes to pension rules, could put pressure on chief executives to leave, and directors could be reluctant to step up with the current media spotlight on public sector pay. Sir Steve Bullock, chairman of the LGA's human resources panel, said: ‘These are tough times for councils as employers. Councils are concentrating on how to ensure they get maximum value for the almost £60bn they spend each year on pay and other employment costs.' The local government workforce survey also found difficulties in recruiting and retaining staff in councils have fallen since in the recession. Only 52% of councils showed difficulties in hiring and keeping staff, compared with 83% last year, and 93% in 2004. However, in the wake of the Baby Peter case, it has become increasingly difficult to hire social workers. See David Clark's blog