Explanatory Notes

Local Government and Elections (Wales) Act 2021

1

20 January 2021

Commentary on Sections

Part 4: Local Authority Executives, Members, Officers And Committees

Section 55 – Replacement of references to “salary” in section 143A of the 2011 Measure

315.Before amendment, section 143A of the 2011 Measure provided the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales with powers in relation to the salaries of the heads of paid service in principal councils.

316.Schedule 5 of the Act (discussed above) amends section 143A of the 2011 Measure to substitute references to “chief executive” in place of “head of paid service”, whilst section 55 substitutes the term “remuneration” in place of “salary” or “salaries”. This amendment will allow the Panel to make recommendations in respect of a broader range of payments to chief executives including salary, any bonuses and other benefits.

317.“Remuneration” has the meaning given in section 43 of the Localism Act 2011, which covers a range of remuneration including: salary or payments under a contract for services; bonuses; allowances; benefits in kind; increases to pension entitlement; and certain payments due where a chief executive ceases to hold office