Councillors across Wales are set to receive a 6.4% pay rise from April after an independent panel approved an increase to their basic salary.
The Democracy and Boundary Commission Cymru has confirmed that the standard allowance for elected members on principal councils (including Torfaen County Borough Council) will rise, bringing the basic salary to £21,044 for the 2026–27 financial year.
It’s important to clarify that community and town councillors do not receive a salary, but are eligible for £156 a year to contribute to the costs of working from home.
The payment covers the responsibilities of representing communities, taking part in scrutiny and regulatory work, and other duties linked to local governance. The role is assessed as the equivalent of a three‑day‑a‑week commitment, a figure the commission has reviewed but decided not to change.
The increase keeps councillor pay linked to the average earnings of people living in Wales, using the latest available all‑Wales Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings data.
Shereen Williams MBE OStJ, chief executive of the commission, said: “Councillors across Wales serve their communities with dedication, and run services that we all rely on every day.
“Research by the commission shows that councillors are working an average of 28 hours per week on their roles, with many of them doing this on top of another job.”
She added that the commission was mindful of the financial pressures facing local authorities and the rising cost of living, and would explore new ways of setting councillor pay in future years.