Senedd Members to Receive 6% Pay Rise
Members of the Senedd have been recommended to receive a 6% pay rise, as proposed by a review board tasked with evaluating their salaries. This increase, if approved, will take effect from April of this year. It would result in each Senedd member earning a minimum of £76,380 annually, compared to the £91,346 annual salary for MPs in 2024. Additionally, the First Minister, Eluned Morgan, would receive an additional £90,701, bringing her total salary to £167,081 from April, pending approval.
Ministers in the cabinet are set to receive their base wage plus supplemental funds, amounting to a total salary of £119,343 per year. Deputy ministers would see their total salary rise to £101,443. This recommendation, put forth by the independent remuneration board as part of its yearly review, follows years of Senedd members experiencing salary increases capped at 3%. The new proposal ties the wage increase to the average pay growth in Wales, currently at 6%.
The board highlights that in recent years, Senedd members’ pay had either been frozen or increased by less than the Welsh average, aiming to align these raises with those seen in other UK legislatures. Additionally, the board seeks to enhance support for members who decide to step down or are not re-elected in the next election, a practice akin to that in Westminster, to allow them ample time to wind down their offices.
Dr. Elizabeth Haywood, chair of the board, emphasised that the review took into account the evolving circumstances and inflationary pressures facing MSs. The board’s focus was on fair remuneration for members and ensuring they have adequate resources to fulfil their duties, whilst also considering the financial landscape of Wales and value for money. The recommended increase of 6% aligns with the latest average earnings figures for Wales, reflecting a consistent growth in salaries over the past three years.
Moreover, significant changes are on the horizon for the Senedd, with the number of MSs set to increase to 96 in 2026. The upcoming election in May will see 96 politicians elected in newly-drawn constituencies, accompanied by changes in the voting process. The Senedd is undergoing physical alterations to accommodate this expansion, with the cost initially estimated at up to £120m. However, recent adjustments to the chamber led to increased expenses, as MSs requested desks, necessitating additional modifications.
In October, the Senedd Commission requested a 16% budget increase for 2025-26 to facilitate the management of substantial changes to the Welsh Parliament, described as the most significant since its establishment in 1999. The proposal for the pay rise will now undergo a public consultation until February, inviting feedback to shape the final decision.
These developments signify a pivotal moment for the Senedd, marking a significant shift in its composition and operations. The proposed pay rise reflects ongoing efforts to ensure fair compensation for members in line with economic trends, whilst addressing the demands of an evolving legislative landscape.
In conclusion, the recommended pay rise for Senedd members underscores the importance of fair remuneration and adequate support for elected representatives, aligning with broader trends in salary increases and legislative practices across the UK.