THE boss at South Gloucestershire Council has taken a pay cut of more than £8,000 to help the authority save money.

Amanda Deeks, who is in charge at the council, is said to have volunteered to take the five per cent pay cut, which equates to £8,196.

The pay cut reduces her previous £163,920 wage to £155,724.

However, Mrs Deeks, who received an OBE in 2009 for her services to local government in the Queen’s New Year Honours’ List, is still paid more than the Prime Minister.

David Cameron takes home just £142,000 for running the country. Mr Cameron also took a voluntary five per cent pay cut when he came to power a year ago.

A spokesman said: "The chief executive took the cut in salary as a reflection of the overall economic situation and the impact of this on staff within our organisation. She has not received a pay award for several years prior to the pay cut, which came into effect at the start of the current financial year."

Mrs Deeks’ pay cut comes at a difficult time for South Gloucestershire Council as the authority tries to reduce its overheads by several million.

South Gloucestershire announced in 2009 plans to cut 317 backroom jobs to save £12 million. Last autumn the council said more jobs were set to go including between 25 and 30 senior managers, which will save a further £2.2 million.

The council has also begun a review of all frontline services for efficiency savings.

Mrs Deeks is the only senior officer confirmed so far to be taking a pay cut.

A spokesman added: "Regarding the wider efficiencies, the council has a transformation programme and there is a target for management cost savings within that. A review of management is ongoing and looks at all levels of management throughout the council."