While sometimes understated, the role of the local council is an integral part of life across Wales.
Working with communities they ensure that essential services are delivered to the public, such as the disposal of waste, the delivery of social care, as well as the housing needs of residents and schooling.
Operating alongside council officers, there are also hundreds members elected every four years, tasked with the role of representing the people of the borough, providing leadership to local communities, and voting on policy, planning, and regulation decisions.
It is a role that has a massive impact on the lives of all residents, but how much can local councillors across Wales expect to get paid for it?
While council officers will receive an annual wage for their work, elected members are provided with an allowance to help them carry out their day to day activities instead.
The amount given depends on a number of factors, such as the individuals level of seniority, for example if they are a leader or deputy leader, the responsibilities they have, such as managing a cabinet portfolio, or even the area in which they live.
When it comes to figures in Wales, councillors are currently divided in to three recommended payment categories A,B, and C, with each local authority setting the rate for councillor allowances in line with an annual review carried out by the independent remuneration panel.
Here is the breakdown of councillors pay across Wales, from the Independent Remuneration Panel’s annual report for 2023/2024:
Group A- Cardiff, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Swansea
Basic salary payable to all elected members – £17,600
Leader of the largest opposition group £26,400
Committee Chairs, civic head and presiding officer (if remunerated) – £26,400
Executive Members- £39,600
Deputy Leaders- £46,200
Leaders- £66,000
Group B- Bridgend, Caerphilly, Carmarthenshire, Conwy, Flintshire, Gwynedd, Newport, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire, Powys, Vale of Glamorgan, Wrexham
Basic salary payable to all elected members – £17,600
Leader of the largest opposition group £26,400
Committee Chairs, civic head and presiding officer (if remunerated) – £26,400
Executive Members – £35,640
Deputy Leader- £41,580
Leader- £59,400
Group C- Blaenau Gwent, Ceredigion, Denbighshire, Merthyr Tydfil, Monmouthshire, Torfaen, Isle of Anglesey.
Basic salary payable to all elected members – £17,600
Leader of the largest opposition group £26,400
Committee Chairs, civic head and presiding officer (if remunerated) – £26,400
Executive Members – £33,660
Deputy Leader- £39,270
Leader- £56,100