Review of the Determination for the Seventh Senedd

The Independent Remuneration Board of the Senedd makes independent decisions on the pay and direct support for Members of the Senedd to attract a wide range of capable and diverse candidates and to enable those elected as Members to do their jobs effectively, ensuring value for money for the people of Wales.

The Board’s guiding principles have underpinned its work and decision-making since its first term. These now form part of the Determination for the Sixth Senedd to aid transparency and understanding of the Board’s decision-making process.

The principles which guide the Board when making a decision are:

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>>>financial support and remuneration for Members should support the strategic purpose of the Senedd and facilitate the work of its Members;

>>>decisions must be appropriate within the context of Welsh earnings and the wider financial circumstances of Wales;

>>>the system of financial support for Members must be robust, clear, transparent, sustainable, inclusive, and represent value for money for the taxpayer.

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As set out in its strategy in 2022, the Board has commenced a detailed review of the Determination ahead of the Seventh Senedd. Decisions on the pay and business and staffing budgets to be made available to Members of the Seventh Senedd will need to be taken in advance of the commencement of the Seventh Senedd.

The Board intends to undertake a two-stage consultation on the Determination for the Seventh Senedd, with the first consultation conducted this autumn focusing on proposed changes to the Determination’s provision relating to Overnight Accommodation, Constituency Office and Engagement and Support for Senedd Groups.

The Board is undertaking further developmental and engagement work during the autumn around Members’ Pay and the review of the staff pay and grading framework.

The Board is planning to consult on these matters in the spring.

The Board’s consultative timetable, which will be kept under review, is currently as follows:

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>>>End October/Early November – Mid-December 2024 – Consultation on Policy Proposals for Seventh Senedd.

>>>8 January -19 February 2025 - Annual Review consultation for the Sixth Senedd Determination 2025-26

>>>24 March-19 May 2025 - Consultation on Policy Proposals for Seventh Senedd (Members Pay and Staff Pay and Grading) & Draft Determination.

>>>July 2025 – Determination for the Seventh Senedd published.

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