Review of the Determination for the Sixth Senedd

Review of the Determination for the Sixth Senedd

On 6 May the National Assembly for Wales became the Welsh Parliament, to be commonly known as Senedd. As a result, references on this site in  documents and links reflect the change of name, referring to the institution as the ‘Assembly' in a historic context (prior to 6 May) and ‘Senedd’ thereafter.

The Remuneration Board, in its strategy report for 2016-2021, outlines its commitment to publishing its Determination for the Sixth Assembly one year before the Welsh general election in 2021.

As you will be aware the Board’s work is underpinned by a set of principles which include that the financial support and remuneration available for Members should support the strategic purpose of the Assembly; and that decisions must be appropriate within the context of Welsh earnings and the wider financial circumstances of Wales. The Board is also tasked with ensuring that its Determination reflects the complexity and importance of the functions Members discharge and does not deter individuals from seeking election to the Assembly on financial grounds. As such the Board has agreed the following terms of reference for this review:

  • the suitability of the level of support provided within the Determination;
  • the flexibility, prescriptiveness and accessibility of the provisions;
  • the probity, accountability, reasonableness and transparency of the expenditure made available.

The Board agreed its approach to reviewing the Determination at its meeting on 11 October 2018. The review will be split into three parts. After considering each part of work the Board will issue a consultation to seek views on its proposals to amend any provisions within that part. Once the Board has concluded its review of the three parts of the review, a final consultation will be issued to seek views on the Determination as a whole to ensure the package of financial support for Members continues to be fit for purpose. Details of the issues contained in each part of the review and the provisional consultation dates are outlined below:

 

Issues under consideration

Provisional consultation dates

Part one

-        Residential Accommodation Expenditure (Chapter 4)

-        Members’ Travel (Chapter 5)

-        Office Cost Allowance (Chapter 6)

Spring 2019

Part two

-        Support for Assembly Members (Chapter 7)

-        Support for Political Parties (Chapter 8)

Summer 2019

Part three

-        Members’ Remuneration (Chapter 3)

-        Members leaving office (Chapter 9)

Early autumn 2019

Full consultation

All provisions within the Determination

Late autumn 2019

The consultation dates are provided for information only and are subject to change. Details of each consultation will be published on the Board’s website.

The Board is aware that should the Commission decide to introduce legislation as part of its Assembly Reform programme it will need to consider if it needs to propose any further changes to the Determination to reflect the legislative proposals. The Board will monitor the development of the Assembly Reform programme to ensure its Determination takes account of constitutional changes and equips Members to undertake their role effectively on behalf of the people of Wales.

Consultation on part one

On 1 April the Board launched a public consultation on its proposals arising from part one of its Review of the Determination for the Sixth Assembly. These proposals relate to the chapters of the Determination on Residential Accommodation Expenditure, Office Costs and Members’ Travel.

The consultation closed on Friday 7 June 2019.

The Board considered responses to its consultation at its meeting on 4 July 2019. Full details of the Board’ decision can be found here

 

Consultation on part two

On 11 July the Board launched a public consultation on its proposals arising from part two of its Review of the Determination for the Sixth Assembly. These proposals relate to the chapters of the Determination on support for Assembly Members and Political Parties.

The consultation closed on Friday 11 October 2019. Full details of the Board’ decision can be found here.

 

Consultation on part three

On 30 September the Board launched a public consultation on its proposals arising from part three of its Review of the Determination for the Sixth Assembly. These proposals relate to the chapters of the Determination relating to Members’ remuneration, winding up provision and additional support for Members.

The consultation closed on Monday 11 November 2019. Full details of the Board’ decision can be found here.

 

Publication of the Independent Remuneration Board’s Determination for the Sixth Senedd 

On 4 June 2020, The Independent Remuneration Board published its Determination which sets out the pay and allowances available to Members of the Senedd following the next Senedd election in May 2021.  This Determination for the Sixth Senedd has been published in June 2020 in order to provide those thinking about standing for election in May 2021 with clarity on the pay and support that will be available to them if elected. This Determination will not take effect until after the next Senedd election in May 2021.

 

 

 

Business type: Other

Status: Report published

First published: 29/11/2018

Documents

Consultations