University chiefs see income rise 10pc in year

According to figures published in the Times Higher Education magazine, vice-chancellors are receiving packages (excluding pensions) worth on average 219,156.

In total, the 152 institutions that revealed their accounts paid their leaders 33.3m in salary and benefits, but excluding pensions, in 2008/09.

Twelve universities paid their vice-chancellors more than 300,000 in salary and benefits, excluding pensions, compared with just five institutions in 2007/08.

In comparison, the average salary of an academic was 46,607, according to data published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA).

The figures were condemned by the University and College Union which revealed academics can expect a pay freeze this year.

UCU general secretary Sally Hunt said: "One of the reasons vice-chancellors' pay is so embarrassing for universities is the complete lack of transparency or reason behind the arbitrary, but usually handsome, rises."

The higher education sector is facing swingeing funding cuts. According to the Higher Education Funding Council for England last month, 99 of England's 130 universities are facing cuts to their funding in 2010/11.

The analysis published in the education magazine shows the highest amount paid out by an institution was 651,000, by City University, London.

Leeds University was ranked 24th with its vice-chancellor on 260,000. Leeds Metropolitan University was the highest placed Yorkshire institution, paying its vice-chancellor a total salary of 361,000. A spokeswoman for the university said the figure relates to its former vice-chancellor.