'More powers - more pay' for Welsh Assembly Members

The body that sets assembly members' pay is sticking to its plan to increase their basic salaries by £10,000.

It would mean backbenchers' pay rises from £54,000 to £64,000 after next year's assembly election - up 18.5%

The proposal was criticised by politicians and unions when it was first outlined in November last year.

But the chairman of the assembly's independent Remuneration Board said there had been a big increase in AMs' responsibilities with more devolution.

Sandy Blair told BBC Radio Wales that he understood public concern, as consultation on the full pay package continues.