Following the 2026 Senedd election, Members of the Senedd will receive salary increases of no less than £12,000, with certain individuals experiencing rises exceeding £25,000.

The Independent Remuneration Board of the Senedd has released its definitive ruling for the upcoming Senedd term, concluding an extensive years-long examination of the financial assistance and resources accessible to members and their employees.

The board’s final ruling aims to provide greater clarity, accessibility, and openness while equipping members with the means to fulfil their duties efficiently and maintain fiscal responsibility.

The fundamental salary for Senedd Members during the 2026/27 term will amount to £79,817, representing a £12,168 increase from the 2020/21 period.

Members occupying supplementary positions will additionally receive a supplemental payment beyond their base salary, intended to recognise the extra workload and obligations associated with such roles.

The First Minister receives the most substantial supplementary salary, amounting to an additional £94,783 on top of the base salary, bringing their complete remuneration to £174,600 for the seventh Senedd term – a rise exceeding £25,000 since 2020/21.

The presiding officer, known as the Llywydd, similarly receives an extra salary. For 2026/27, this supplementary amount will be £51,132, resulting in a total salary of £130,949.

Cabinet ministers, deputy ministers, counsel general, deputy presiding officer, Senedd commissioners, committee chairs, business committee members, and group leaders will also be entitled to supplementary payments.

A Senedd Member holding multiple supplementary positions will receive only one supplementary salary – whichever is the most generously compensated among those held.

Dr Elizabeth Haywood, Chair of the Independent Remuneration Board, explained that the board’s objective throughout has been to guarantee that members and their staff receive appropriate compensation and assistance to address the requirements of an evolving Senedd.

She noted that members contribute significantly to democratic processes, and the board provides staffing and operational funding to enable them to scrutinise the government, legislate for Wales, approve Welsh taxation, and interact with and advocate for their constituencies.

The board finalised its decisions regarding members’ and staff remuneration for the seventh Senedd during the previous July.

The Determination on Members’ Pay, Staffing and Business Support 2026-27 can be accessed via the board’s official website.