Dear Members,

cc Group and Support Staff

UPDATE FROM THE REMUNERATION BOARD

The Independent Remuneration Board of the Senedd met on Wednesday 12 and Thursday 13 March 2025.

 

This letter provides a summary of the Board’s key decisions and discussions. Information on the Board’s work is available here.

 

The Board met with the Members Representative Group and Staff Representative Group on 12 March. The Board also held a workshop, on 26 March, with Members, staff and union representatives ahead of the publication of the Part 2 Consultation on the review of the Determination.

 

 

Autumn Consultation - Review of the Determination for the Seventh Senedd Part One

The Board agreed its Report following consultation on proposals for the Seventh Senedd including overnight accommodation, constituency office and engagement and support for Senedd groups.

The report was published on Friday 28 March and further information can be found on the Board’s website

 

 

Annual review of the Determination on Members’ Pay and Allowances for 2025-26

The Board agreed its Determination for 2025-26, taking into account feedback received through the consultation process. The Board also agreed and exceptional Determination on Members pay under sections 20(1) and 53(1) of the Government of Wales Act 2006.

 

The Board agreed to amend the Determination on Members’ Pay and Allowances in the Sixth Senedd (“the Determination”) by removing paragraph 3.2.2. meaning that the 3% cap on salaries will cease to apply and the salaries of Members and additional office holders during the financial year 2025/26 will increase by the ASHE Wales figure of 6%.

 

The Determination 2025/26, Exceptional Determination and Decision letter outlining the Board’s considerations and decisions were published on 28 March and further information can be found here.

 

Spring Consultation - Review of the Determination for the Seventh Senedd Part Two

The Board agreed its final proposals for the second consultation on the Review of the Determination for the Seventh Senedd that will include Members pay and additional support, Members travel , office costs and a new pay and grading framework for Member’s staff.

The consultation on proposals were published on 2 April and will close on 4 June. In June the Board will consider responses to the consultation with a view to issuing a final decision report in the summer.

 

 

Next Board Meeting

 

The Board will next meet in June.

 

Should you have any matters you wish to raise with me or the Board or would like to discuss any matter further in the meantime, please do not hesitate to get in touch by emailing remuneration@senedd.wales.

 

Yours sincerely,

Dr Elizabeth Haywood

Chair, Independent Remuneration Board of the Senedd

Croesewir gohebiaeth yn Gymraeg neu Saesneg.

We welcome correspondence in Welsh or English