Rebecca Evans, MS, Minister for Finance and Local Government
The Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales (the Panel) is the independent body whose principal function is to make determinations on the salaries and payments principal councils, town and community councils, fire and rescue authorities and national park authorities make to their elected members. It can also make recommendations on any proposed changes to the salaries of the chief executives of principal councils and chief fire officers. The role, remit and powers of the Panel are set out in the Local Government (Wales) Measure 2011 and the Local Government (Wales) Act 2015.
As the Panel approached its ten year anniversary, the previous Minister for Housing and Local Government commissioned an independent review. The review was undertaken by Stephen Hughes between April and June 2021. It considered whether the Panel continues to represent value for money and if any changes may be required to their functions and operations in light of experience since its inception. I thank Stephen Hughes for undertaking the review, and all the stakeholders who participated in the review.
The final report, which has been published today, concludes the Panel works hard to engage with councillors and other stakeholders when developing its determinations. However, it highlights a number of areas where improvements could be made and includes a number of recommendations for change. I will now consider these recommendations and will discuss them with the Panel and with local government.