Members of the Senedd will receive a 3% pay rise in what is the largest wage increase since 2020. The new pay award for Welsh politicians will also see an increase in allowances for Members of the Senedd who require residential accommodation in Cardiff, if their constituencies are further away, with a rise by 10.1%. The increases are the maximum allowed.
As a result of the changes, MSs will earn £69,958 this financial year, with the chances coming into effect in May. The decision on the pay increase was made by the Remuneration Board, an independent body separate to the Senedd.
The highest paid MS is the First Minister Mark Drakeford who will receive £153,033 during the financial year. Other senior ministers will earn £109,308 and their deputies will earn £92,913. The presiding officer Ein Jones will earn £114,774 and her deputy will receive £92,913.
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The leader of the Welsh Conservatives Andrew RT Davies will earn £101,656 while Plaid Cymru leader Adam Price will earn £97,284. In addition to their salaries, ministers can receive extra payments, and allowances for running an office will rise by 10.1%. Support staff will receive an added £600 on top of their salaries to help with the cost of living.
The Remuneration Board chairwoman Dr Elizabeth Haywood said: "When reviewing the support provided to Members of the Senedd this year, we took into account the effect of rising inflation on the cost of running offices, the cost of engaging with constituents and other expenses."
"The determination for 2023-24 is designed to enable members to continue to do their job of representing their constituents and holding the government to account in these challenging times."
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