Welsh assembly members will receive a £10,000 pay rise

The pay rise is intended to recognise 'new responsibilities' and 'new expectations' on AMs

Assembly members will receive a £10,000 pay rise after next year's assembly election, but some have said they will not accept it.

Backbenchers' £54,000 pay will increase to £64,000 in May 2016 and is meant to take account of further devolution.

The 18.5% pay rise was confirmed on Friday by the body which sets AMs' pay and allowances.

The increase, first proposed six months ago, will cost taxpayers about £700,000 more next year.

The pay rise has been criticised by trade unions and all parties.

First Minister Carwyn Jones previously said he could not see how Labour could support the increase.

His salary will rise to £140,000, while his cabinet members will receive £100,000.

On Friday, a spokesman for Labour AMs said they had "consistently opposed" the level of the pay rise and they were "disappointed" by the decision.

Plaid Cymru leader Leanne Wood said she could not support "such a large salary increase" in the current financial climate unless everyone is paid at least the living wage.

Plaid AM Lindsay Whittle will also decline the money.

Welsh Liberal Democrat leader Kirsty Williams said her party thought the pay rise was "unacceptable" while the Conservatives said it would be "properly considered" by their AMs, when they return to Cardiff Bay the week after next.

A final determination by the assembly's independent Remuneration Board was announced following two consultations.

Chairman Sandy Blair said: "Now the challenge moves to the political parties and Welsh public to ensure that the right candidates, who can deliver on the promise that these additional powers offer, are elected."

The assembly will cut the amount it contributes to AMs' pensions by about £200,000 if, as the board expects, the pension changes are approved by the Treasury.

There are no AMs on the board and its decisions do not need the assembly's approval.

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority is consulting on plans to increase MPs pay by £7,000 - from £67,000 to £74,000.

In the Scottish Parliament, MSPs receive a basic annual salary of £59,000 and members of the Northern Ireland Assembly £48,000.