15 December 2025
The Independent Remuneration Board has today (Monday 15 December 2025) published its draft Determination for the Seventh Senedd and opened its final consultation.
This draft follows an extensive review undertaken during the Sixth Senedd, including two public consultations, to ensure Members and their staff have the resources needed to carry out their roles effectively in the next parliamentary term.
The draft Determination comes at a pivotal moment, as the Senedd prepares for the most significant change since devolution — becoming a parliament of 96 Members, with a new election system and revised constituency boundaries.
The consultation is open until Wednesday 4 February 2026 and invites views on:
- The revised and simplified draft Determination, designed to be clearer, more accessible, and transparent;
- A small set of additional proposed policy changes, e.g. support for staff if a Member’s office needs to relocate due to constituency changes; and
- The annual inflationary uprating of financial support for 2026–27
In July 2025, the Board confirmed key decisions on Members’ and staff pay, overnight accommodation and constituency work costs, among other provisions. The decisions were based on extensive evidence and consultation and will not be revisited in this final consultation.
The Chair of the Independent Remuneration Board of the Senedd, Dr Elizabeth Haywood, said:
"This draft Determination reflects the Board’s commitment to clarity, fairness, and transparency; it is a briefer, simplified document and is easier to understand, aiming to aid administration and understanding.
“We have gathered extensive evidence and taken on board a range of views and already conducted two public consultations during this process.
“Our aim is to ensure that Members and their staff are equipped to meet the challenges of the Seventh Senedd - with more Members, new constituency arrangements, and evolving ways of working. As the Senedd changes, our priority remains to provide appropriate support whilst providing value for money."
The draft Determination and consultation document are available on the Independent Remuneration Board website, along with details on how to respond.