A Venlo councillor is threatening not to use a local healthcare group if it does not lower the amount it pays its managers.

Two of Zorggroep’s top managers gave themselves a hefty rise last year. Wouter van Soest was paid more than €500,000 and Frank Rijnders, who has since taken his pension, took home over €300,000.

Councillor Ramon Testroote told the Telegraaf this is unacceptable and way above the maximum norm introduced last year.

‘Other healthcare providers are keeping to the maximum of €228,000, but not Zorggroep, which is laying off 476 members of staff,’ Testroote said.

He will speak to the company about the matter on Thursday and if salaries remain so high, Venlo council will no longer buy in care from Zorggroep.