Hundreds of people employed by councils in Sussex are earning more than £58,000 a year.

The figures obtained by The Argus come after a suggestion by a Government minister that all high-earning council employees should be named and shamed.

In total 612 council staff in Sussex are earning above £58,000, including some school staff.

The figures include 109 officials at Brighton and Hove City Council, 201 at West Sussex County Council and 198 at East Sussex County Council.

Last week local government minister Eric Pickles said the taxpayer had the right to “look under the bonnet of their council and see what decisions are being made on their behalf and where their money is being spent”.

He issued the proposal to name all council employees earning over £58,000 as recommended practice for all local authorities.