Flintshire Councillors could be in line for a pay increase of over £1,000 from next year

The Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales (IRPW), which sets councillor salaries, has recommended raising councillors’ annual pay from £18,666 to £19,771.

This proposed increase, part of the 2025-26 draft plan, aims to ensure fair pay aligned with local governance responsibilities.

Councillors and stakeholders have until 29 November to submit feedback, with a final decision expected in February. If approved, the pay changes would take effect from 1 April 2025.

The IRPW’s draft report also proposes higher salaries for senior council roles.

For Flintshire Council’s leader, currently Councillor Dave Hughes, the recommended annual pay would rise from £62,998 to £66,727.

Deputy leaders would see an increase from £44,099 to £46,709, while cabinet members’ pay would go from £37,799 to £40,036.

Committee chairs and opposition leaders would receive £29,657.

The IRPW links councillor pay to average local earnings, using data from the 2022 Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

“The Panel has determined that for 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 it is right to retain the link between councillor pay and constituents’ average salaries,” the report states.

Reasons Behind Proposed Increases

According to the IRPW, councillors’ basic pay reflects their responsibilities in community representation, scrutiny, and regulatory roles.

“The basic salary, paid to all elected members, is for community representation and participation in scrutiny, regulatory, and related governance functions,” says the IRPW report.

“It is based on a full-time equivalent of three days a week.”

The panel emphasised that fair pay is essential to support diverse participation.

“The Panel remains of the view that a fair and reasonable pay package will support elected members and not be a barrier to participation,” the report notes.

While acknowledging fiscal constraints, the IRPW stressed the importance of accessible roles in local government.

“The Panel is fully aware of the constraints on public funding and the impact of its decisions on council budgets,” it stated.

Councillors May Forgo Part of Their Salary

As in previous years, the IRPW report allows individual councillors the option to forgo part of their salary if they choose.

Impact on Council Budgets

If adopted, the proposed salary increases would add around £93,006 to Flintshire Council’s 2025-26 budget.

Flintshire Council launched a public consultation last month to help address a £38.4 million budget shortfall for 2025-26, aiming to avoid drastic cuts to essential services.

With 68% of its funding from the Welsh Government, Flintshire is among the lowest-funded councils per capita.

Rising costs and increased demand for services are straining the budget, and council leaders warn of potential “hard choices” ahead without more support.

Flintshire’s constitution and democratic services committee will review the IRPW’s recommendations today, Wednesday, 6 November.

Feedback from this review will contribute to the final IRPW report, expected in February 2025.