Powys county councillors agree to £100 a year pay increase
County councillors in Mid Wales have voted to receive a £100 a year pay increase, taking their basic salary to £13,400.
At the first full meeting of the new-look Powys County Council this week, councillors were told that after two years of no salary increase, the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales (IPRW) had decided to increase councillors basic salary by 0.75 per cent.
Powys County Council "must" allow the increase, according to the IPRW.
A report before the authority set out the IPRW's decision, although individual councillors can forego their salary.
Sixty-eight councillors voted for the report on salaries, with one abstention.
In a report, which went before councillors, it stated: "As with all three types of salaries – basic, senior and civic – a member may elect to forego the whole or part of the basic salary.
"This is a decision for the individual member and is not a matter for council. To forego a salary a member or co-opted member must notify the chief finance officer in writing."
The council also agreed to senior salaries being allocated to up to 18 councillors with specific responsibilities, such as the authority leader and deputy leader.
Councillor Rosemarie Harris, the newly elected leader of the council, will receive a salary, inclusive of the increased £13,400 basic salary, of £48,100, while the deputy leader will receive £33,600.
Cabinet members will receive £29,100. The leaders of political groups within the council will receive £17,100.
The council chair and vice chair will also receive civic salaries of £21,600 and £16,100 respectively, including the basic salary.
