All councillors could see a 6.4 per cent pay rise for 2026-2027, according to proposals in a draft report now open for public consultation.

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 opened for an eight-week consultation on September 23.

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 is therefore proposing 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 per cent. The basic salary for the current financial year is £19,77.

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.”

With Pembrokeshire classified as a ‘Group B’ Council - i.e. a population between 100,000 and 200,000 - the resulting annual salary proposed for the council leader (currently Cllr Jon Harvey) is £71,025 - an increase of £4,298 on this year’s pay.

The report proposes to increase the salary of the deputy leader (currently Cllr Paul Miller) to £49,717 per annum (an increase of £3,008) and the salary of a Band 2 executive leader being raised to £42,615 annually.

The county has 60 councillors, with a maximum of 18 senior salaries payable. Senior posts abide by certain rules, for instance: An elected member must not be remunerated for more than one senior post within their authority. An elected member must not be paid a senior salary and a civic salary.

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

Pembrokeshire Coast is one of the three national parks formed in to protect spectacular landscapes and provide recreation opportunities for the public. The Environment Act 1995 led to the creation of a NPA (National Park Authority) for each park. NPAs comprise members who are either elected members nominated by the principal councils within the national park area or are members appointed by the Welsh Government through the public appointments process.

Welsh Government appointed and council nominated members are treated equally in relation to remuneration, and NPA members are set to see a pay increase. The basic salary for an ordinary member is £5,936, with £16,458 paid annually to the chair. Other senior posts within the NPA earn £10,144.

All observations on these draft determinations should be sent to: Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru, 4th Floor, Welsh Government Building, Cathays Park, Cardiff CF10 3NQ, or by email to [email protected] no later than November 18, 2025.

For further information, visit www.dbcc.gov.wales .