News
Andrew RT Davies: Senior officer pay in Welsh county councils ‘out of control’

ANDREW RT DAVIES has criticised senior council officer pay in Wales as “out of control” amid what he describes as a “council tax crisis.”
Writing in the Glamorgan Star, Davies said: “In some councils, there are salaries that even outstrip the Prime Minister’s pay packet. That’s indefensible.
“In 2024, the TaxPayers’ Alliance found that 140 council employees in Wales were receiving more than £100,000 in total remuneration in the previous financial year.”
Speaking this morning, Andrew RT Davies MS, Senedd Member for South Wales Central and former Welsh Conservative leader, said:
“There is a council tax crisis in Wales, with many town halls bringing forward inflation-busting rises in their draft budgets.
“Of course, Welsh Government funding to councils isn’t up to scratch, but senior council officer pay is completely out of control.
“We need to see these massive pay packets cut back before any more pressure is put on hardworking taxpayers.”

Council tax increases across Wales
Several Welsh councils have proposed significant council tax hikes for the 2025-26 financial year. One authority has proposed an 8.9 percent increase, alongside £12.3 million in savings as part of its draft budget.
Understanding senior officer remuneration
Council pay policies are guided by frameworks such as the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales, which sets the range and level of payments for various council roles.
For the 2024-25 period, the Panel outlined specific salaries for basic, senior, civic, and presiding members of principal councils. Individual councils also publish their pay policy statements, detailing remuneration for senior positions.
For example, Caerphilly County Borough Council’s 2024-25 pay policy indicates that corporate directors earn between £125,025 and £138,695 per year, while heads of service (Band A) receive between £95,900 and £106,334.
Senior officer pay in Pembrokeshire
Senior council officers in Pembrokeshire County Council, who are non-elected officials, receive salaries distinct from those of elected members.
Figures indicate that:
- The average chief officer salary in Pembrokeshire County Council is £107,262.
- The median chief officer salary is £104,686.
- The pay multiple between the average chief officer salary and the lowest full-time equivalent (FTE) salary is 4.8.
- The lowest FTE salary in the council is £27,366.
- The average salary for all full-time equivalent employees in the council is £27,301.
- The median salary for all full-time equivalent employees is £23,893.
For other officer roles, indicative figures show:
- A commissioning officer earns an average yearly salary of approximately £27,041, around 21 percent below the national average for this role.
- Salaries in Pembrokeshire County Council range from £17,842 per year for a catering assistant to £60,894 per year for a high school teacher.
These figures may not reflect the most current salaries, but they provide insight into the pay structure for Pembrokeshire County Council officers.
Balancing fair compensation and fiscal responsibility
While concerns about high salaries are valid, it is essential to recognise the responsibilities shouldered by senior council officers. Managing substantial budgets, overseeing essential public services, and ensuring effective governance require skilled professionals.
Competitive salaries are often necessary to attract and retain individuals with the expertise needed for these demanding roles. However, in the context of proposed council tax increases and economic challenges, councils must balance fair compensation with fiscal responsibility.
Transparent pay policies and regular reviews can help ensure remuneration reflects the demands of these positions while addressing public concerns over excessive salaries. As discussions continue, stakeholders must weigh the complexities of public sector pay, seeking solutions that uphold both the integrity of local government and the trust of taxpayers.
Charity
Tenby Round Table donates £2,336 to Paul Sartori Foundation

THE PAUL SARTORI FOUNDATION, Pembrokeshire’s hospice-at-home charity, has received a donation of £2,336 from Tenby Round Table, funding the purchase of two specialised Minuet 2 hospital-style beds to enhance patient comfort at home.
Representatives from the Tenby Round Table visited Paul Sartori House on Tuesday (Mar 4) to meet the team and see how their donation is making a difference. The charity’s Equipment Loan Team demonstrated the new beds, highlighting their benefits for end-of-life patients wishing to spend their final days at home.
Amanda Elmes, Equipment Assistant, and Mark Bunyan, Equipment Technician, explained how the beds provide essential support, with families expressing deep gratitude for their availability, even if used for just a short period.
Will Davies, Chairman of Tenby Round Table, said: “The decision to donate was unanimous because we all strongly believe in the invaluable service Paul Sartori provides to families in need.”
Joost Geertman, past president of Tenby Round Table, shared a personal connection, having recently accessed the charity’s services for a family member. He said: “It’s heartening to see how Paul Sartori supports people at the most critical times of their lives. I know firsthand the difference it makes to families locally.”
The Paul Sartori Equipment Loan Service plays a crucial role in supporting end-of-life patients across Pembrokeshire. In 2023/24, the team delivered over 1,700 items of equipment—an average of 32 per week—including beds, wheelchairs, commodes, chairs, and mattresses, all provided at no cost.
Pat Coombs, Clinical Coordinator and Equipment Facilitator, emphasised the importance of donations in sustaining their work. She said: “We are incredibly grateful to the Tenby Round Table. We rely heavily on donations and grants to continue complementing statutory services. Beds are among the most important items we loan, offering comfort and support when it is most needed.”
The Paul Sartori Foundation provides a range of services beyond equipment loans, including home nursing care, complementary therapy, bereavement and counselling support, physiotherapy, advance care planning, and training. The charity also operates a 24-hour advice line, available seven days a week, with a standby service for those not yet requiring hands-on care.
Entertainment
Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival returns to Pembrey

THE WELSH Motorsport & Supercar Festival is set to return to Pembrey Circuit on Sunday, September 21, 2025, with backing from The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers.
The Trade Centre Wales, the country’s largest used car supermarket, operates from sites in Abercynon and Neath, offering thousands of vehicles. Iconic Auctioneers, a globally recognised auction house, specialises in classic and modern supercars, competition vehicles, and automobilia.

Last year’s inaugural event drew 6,000 fans to the ‘Home of Welsh Motorsport,’ granting visitors unprecedented access to paddocks, supercar zones, motorsport displays, pit garages, and live-action demonstrations. The 2025 edition promises an even bigger spectacle, with more historic Formula 1 cars, rare motorsport machinery, and high-profile motorsport personalities. A headline theme will be announced soon.

Fan experience will be a priority, with improvements based on feedback from last year. Additional car parks within Pembrey will ease entry, a new food village will offer a wider selection, and more seating and improved signage will enhance the visitor experience.

Mark Bailey, founder of The Trade Centre Wales, said: “As a company founded in Wales, we are immensely proud to support the Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival at Pembrey Circuit. This event allows us to give back to the local community and connect with passionate motorsport fans.”

Iconic Auctioneers classic car specialist Arwel Richards added: “Last year’s festival was a phenomenal success, proving that motorsport and supercar enthusiasts exist in their thousands beyond the M4. We’re excited to be involved.”
Pembrey Circuit Manager Phil Davies said: “Having The Trade Centre Wales and Iconic Auctioneers as partners strengthens the event, and they will be showcasing some never-before-seen cars. We aim to build on last year’s success to make this year’s festival even bigger and better.”
Welsh Motorsport & Supercar Festival
Pembrey Circuit, Sunday, September 21, 2025
Tickets: £22 in advance / Children 15 and under FREE
More information: pembreycircuit.co.uk/event/welsh-motorsport-supercar-festival
BARC (Pembrey) Ltd., Pembrey Circuit, Pembrey, Carmarthenshire, SA16 0HZ
Community
Dog owner speaks out after attack in Pembroke Dock

THE OWNER of an American Bulldog involved in a dog attack in Pembroke Dock has expressed his distress over the incident, calling it a “massive accident” and an “isolated incident.”
A video circulating on social media shows the dog, named Bobo, attacking another dog, a golden retriever named Bailey, on Dimond Street, Pembroke Dock, on Tuesday (Mar 12). The footage shows passers-by attempting to intervene, with some appearing to strike Bobo in an effort to separate the animals.
Bailey’s owner, Julie Jenkins, later confirmed that her pet had suffered wounds to his body, including an ear injury requiring staples.

‘A complete accident’
Mikey Newman, Bobo’s owner, said he was devastated by what had happened and had since reached out to Ms Jenkins to offer an apology and cover all vet bills.
“I feel absolutely distraught about the whole thing,” Mr Newman said. “I don’t blame anybody but myself.”
He explained that Bobo, a rescue dog still undergoing training, escaped after being startled by a falling broom while waiting to be harnessed at the door of his home.
“He was sitting just inside my doorway, waiting patiently for me to secure his harness,” he said. “A brush I use to clean my yard fell forward and smacked into him, which made him bolt. He’s never allowed out on his own, and when walked, he’s always on his lead.”
Mr Newman chased after Bobo and arrived just as the fight broke out. He stated that he immediately intervened, pinning Bobo down in an attempt to stop the attack.
“The moment I jumped on him, he started to let go and calm down,” he explained. “But people reacted in fear, and both Bobo and I were hit in the process. I was kicked and punched in the ribs while trying to secure him.”
Ongoing training and backlash
Mr Newman emphasised that Bobo has never shown aggression towards people and described him as a “cuddle bug” who loves people and is extremely loyal to his family.
“Bobo is absolutely no danger to people or children,” he said. “There were lots of people around, and he didn’t attack any of them. He is still an adolescent and in training. He even saved my daughter’s life when an intruder broke into her house.”
Since the video was shared online, Mr Newman has faced significant backlash, with some people calling for Bobo to be put down. He expressed frustration that people were jumping to conclusions without understanding the full context of the incident.
“It’s alarming that so many people are vilifying Bobo,” he said. “They see a big dog, they hear the yelps, and they react without first trying to get the facts.”
Community protection notice issued
Mr Newman confirmed that he had contacted the police regarding the incident and that authorities had now issued a Community Protection Warning Notice. This means Bobo must be kept on a lead and muzzled at all times in public.
“This will not happen again,” he said. “I take full responsibility for what happened, but I will not hurt my dog or have him put down. This was not his fault, and I have already taken steps to ensure it never happens again.”
The police have not indicated that any further action will be taken against Mr Newman or Bobo.
-
Crime3 days ago
Calls for urgent reform as violence among teens rises in Wales
-
Top News4 days ago
Pembrokeshire man sentenced for driving four times over drink-drive limit
-
News5 days ago
Oil tanker and cargo ship ablaze after collision in North Sea
-
News3 days ago
Delays to Wales’ tribunal system ‘deeply troubling’
-
Business6 days ago
New owners reopen The Vibe in Milford Haven
-
Crime5 days ago
John Cooper appeal file still under review, but CCRC says process ‘will take time’
-
News6 days ago
Pembrokeshire becomes latest council to consider devolution of Crown Estate
-
Crime4 days ago
Milford man jailed for hurling racial insults during verbal attack