Senedd: Welsh Parliament politicians get 3% pay rise

Members of the Welsh Parliament will get a 3% pay rise next month, the maximum allowed under a cap set at the start of the current Senedd in 2021.

The rise, the same as they received last year, means backbench Senedd members (MSs) will earn £72,057 a year.

But the remuneration board, which is independent of the parliament in Cardiff Bay, is increasing the wages of MSs' support staff by 5.7%.

Board chair Elizabeth Haywood said the increases reflect rising costs.

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Under rules set by the board, MSs' salaries are matched to a survey of average earnings in Wales, up to a maximum of 3%.

Ministers and other senior MSs receive extra payments on top of their salaries.

The changes mean the first minister will earn £157,624, other senior ministers £112,588 and junior ministers £95,701.

Presiding officer Elin Jones, who chairs Senedd debates, will receive £118,217, while her deputy will get £95,701.

'Value for money'

Opposition leaders' salaries vary according to how many Senedd members they have in their group.

Andrew RT Davies, Welsh Conservative group leader, will earn £104,709 after the increase while Plaid Cymru's Rhun ap Iorwerth will receive £100,205.

Prices in the UK rose by 3.4% in the year to February 2024, the lowest inflation rate since September 2021.

Ms Haywood said: "Although the rate of inflation has fallen in recent months, the board recognises the impact of rising costs has had on members' budgets and the challenges members and staff continue to experience because of the increased cost of living.

"The changes agreed by the board for 2024-25 aim to meet these challenges."

"The board is committed to ensuring the level of financial support for members is adequate to enable them to perform their members' duties, as well as ensuring accountability, value for money and transparency with the use of public funds," she added.

At Westminster, MPs are receiving a pay rise of 5.5%, lifting their annual salary to £91,346.