Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru publishes draft proposals for councillor allowances

The Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru has published its Draft Annual Remuneration Report, which will apply for the financial year 2026 to 2027. These proposals are open for an eight-week consultation from 23 September to 18 November 2025.

The link with average Welsh earnings has been maintained for principal councils. The Commission considers maintaining links with average earnings is key in balancing fairness for each elected member and affordability for local authorities. Average earnings are calculated by reference to the Annual Survey for Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2024 published by the Office for National Statistics. The Commission therefore proposes a basic annual salary of £21,044. In line with the rise in average earnings the increase in the basic annual salary is 6.4%.

The Commission considers holders of leader and executive member posts to have significant functional responsibility and therefore the role element of their remuneration is similarly increased in line with average earnings.

The main remuneration allowances for community and town councils remain the same.

This draft report and previous determinations can be viewed here.

ENDS

Note to Editors:

1. The Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru determines the remuneration payable by councils to their elected members and co-opted members. The Commission’s remit includes Principal Councils, National Park Authorities, Fire and Rescue Authorities and Community and Town Councils in Wales.
2. In accordance with the requirements of Part 5A of the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru etc. Act 2013, the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru has now published its Draft Annual Remuneration Report. This report, and the previous determinations, can be viewed at https://www.dbcc.gov.wales/remuneration.
3. Average earnings are calculated by reference to the Annual Survey for Hours and Earnings (ASHE) 2024 published by ONS.