Assembly Members to get £10,000 pay rise

The controversial rise was confirmed by the Remuneration Board of the National Assembly for Wales this morning (Friday).

The Panel said the rise was taking into account further devolution powers post the 2016 election – including tax-setting and borrowing powers – and introduced a financial package that “attracts the best people to put their name forward for the role of AM.”

The pay of the First Minister will move to £140,000; cabinet members will receive £100,000.

Sandy Blair, Chair of the Remuneration Board, said: “Our Determination recognises the fact that after the 2016 election, the National Assembly will have become a markedly different and more significant institution than when originally established.

"It will have law-making, tax-setting and borrowing powers like those of the UK and Scottish parliaments. I believe the work the Board has done has produced a remuneration regime which is appropriate for the institution, and the increasing responsibilities which lie ahead.

“Our duty is to ensure that there is financial support in place that attracts the best people to put their names forward for the role of Assembly Member and that support is available that enables elected Members to best perform their role in scrutinising legislation and the Welsh Government. Where we have found barriers that dissuade people from standing for election, we have tried to address them.

“We have played our part by providing a Determination which we believe is an investment in Welsh democracy – in the capacity and quality of the Assembly so that it is fit for purpose as more powers are devolved.

“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.”

•  What do you think? is the pay rise justified? Leave your comments below or email wtnews@westerntelegraph.co.uk with your thoughts.