“Review of remuneration is well overdue” says chair of Conwy standards committee

The chairman of Conwy County Council’s Standards Committee has slammed local government pay structures, warning that the committee’s independent (lay) members have felt “undervalued” because of stagnated allowances.

The Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru (DBCC) has issued its draft annual remuneration report, which sets the range and level of payments to councillors and independent members for the financial year 2027/28.

The formal consultation deadline on the proposed determinations ends on 17 December 2026, and the Democratic Services Committee has been tasked with reviewing the draft report and responding on the council’s behalf.

But Standards Committee chairman Clive Wolfendale wrote to the Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru (DBCC) last year – in his capacity as inaugural Chair of the National Standards Committee Chairs’ Forum – complaining a “review of remuneration is well overdue”.

In a second undated letter to Llandudno councillor Harry Saville sent this year, Mr Wolfendale pointed to councillors receiving an increase of “40%” in their allowance in recent years by comparison.

Mr Wolfendale said in the letter the committee’s five independent members received £3,561 between them in 2025/26 and weren’t paid enough.

The letters have been published ahead of discussions due to take place next week on the matter.

“The time for a review of remuneration is well overdue. The situation has not been addressed for some years, and I fear the imminent transfer in responsibility may further delay attention to this oversight. Members of the Forum are acutely aware of the financial challenges facing public services across Wales,” wrote Mr Wolfendale.

“However the sums involved in compensating independent members, both to individuals and funders are small – tiny in comparison to the remuneration of elected members. Far more importantly, the continued relegation of co-opted members suggests an Administration which does not value or welcome independent oversight and the serious monitoring of standards in public office. I know that is not the intent, but you will forgive members for the perception.”

He added: “I can guess that your ‘in-tray’ will shortly be very full, but I ask that the Democracy and Boundary Commission, on assuming responsibility for remuneration, instigate an urgent review of the situation. Members of the Forum will be pleased to engage with you and other relevant bodies at any stage.”

The letter to the DBCC was sent in March 2025 ahead of the transfer of functions from the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales (IRPW).

Conwy County Council’s website lists the Standards Committee’s nine members, including the current five independent or lay members Gill Murgatroyd, William Glyn Roberts, Brenda Bignold, Maggie Griffiths, and the chairman Mr Wolfendale.

The other members are made up of the authority’s county councillors, Frank Bradfield, David Carr, and Nia Owen, and one community councillor, Ann Jones.

Generally, the standards committee is responsible for “promoting and maintaining high standards of conduct by councillors and co-opted members through the members’ Code of Conduct”, as well as other duties.

The latest DBCC proposals on the table are due to be discussed by the council next week.

These include a basic salary payable to all elected members increasing by 3% from £21,044 to £21,676.

The council leader’s salary will also increase from £71,025 to £73,156; the deputy leader’s from £49,717 to £51,209; and executive (cabinet) members from £42,615 to £43,893.

Committee chairs and the leader of the largest opposition group will receive an increase of £31,567 to £32,514, and the Civic Head a rise of £31,567 to £32,514.

Under the latest proposals, chairs of standards, governance, and audit committees would receive an hourly rate of £34.50, £138 for up to four hours’ work, and £276 for over four hours.

Other members of those committees would receive an hourly rate of £27, £108 for up to four hours’ work, and £216 for over four hours.

The matter will be debated by Conwy County Council’s Democratic Services Committee at the authority’s Coed Pella HQ on Monday 9 November.

By Richard Evans – Local Democracy Reporter