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One third less for new Chief

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Shambles over pay-off: Bryn-Parry Jones

Former Chief: Bryn’s rate of £195,000 a year has been cut for the new chief

A REPORT from the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales (IRPW) has recommended a massive cut in pay for any new Chief Executive at Pembrokeshire County Council.

 Former Chief Executive Bryn Parry Jones’ rate of £195,000 a year, plus extra for his duties as returning officer, will be replaced with a significantly lower but still eyewatering salary of £130K per year.

The council had argued that the replacement salary should be £145,000 a year. The board, whose recommendations must be taken into account by the local authority when setting the pay for a new Chief Executive, have said that Pembrokeshire’s size does not justify paying even the Council’s proposed salary, itself £50,000 lower than that paid to Bryn Parry-Jones.

In relation to Chief Executives, the Panel’s role is limited to taking a view and making a recommendation. Although the Local Authority/ Authorities concerned must have regard to this opinion, they are not obliged to follow it. It is true other legislation will require any such decision to be made through a vote of full council.

It is also the case the decision would be open to scrutiny, not only by the authorities’ internal scrutiny processes, but also by external regulators such as the Wales Audit Office. The authority would need to explain why they did not agree with the Panel’s recommendation, if it set a different salary than that suggested by the Remuneration Panel.

QUESTIONS RAISED ON PAY 

The setting of the Chief Executive’s salary at a level a third lower than Mr Parry-Jones’ raises a number of questions about the way in which his salary and the salary of senior officers has been set. IPPG Leader Jamie Adams, and others within the governing group, have repeatedly claimed that to get the best the authority needs to offer large and attractive wage packages to senior officers. In the past, the same councillors have used IRPW recommendations as a basis for arguing that high pay was justified.

It would be, however, a remarkable situation indeed if the Head of Paid Service had a smaller remuneration package than staff notionally junior to them in the Council hierarchy. From an examination of similar roles in other authorities, The Pembrokeshire Herald has discovered that the salary of those staff at director level – for example, the same as Pembrokeshire’s own Director of Development Dr Steven Jones – are paid between 75% and 80% of a Chief Executive’s salary.

If that was followed through to its logical conclusion, setting the salary of the Chief Executive at £130,000 would produce director level salaries in the region of (at most) £104,000 a year, a pay cut of around one fifth of those directors’ current salary level.

The Pembrokeshire Herald has looked at a number of authorities in England of comparable size to Pembrokeshire and has noticed that salaries for senior officers in Wales appear to be significantly higher than those of comparators across the border. One noticeable factor in the ratio of pay between the lowest paid full-time council employees in England is that Chief Officers’ pay is often pegged to the pay of the authorities’ lowest earners.

In the case of Hertfordshire, for example, this means that the median Chief Officers’ pay of £127,000 is between seven to eight times the pay of the lowest (non-school) members of council staff.

If Pembrokeshire County Council set its pay on such a basis, this would mean that the lowest paid full-time worker at the authority when Mr Parry-Jones was its Head of Paid Service would have been approximately £26,000. Almost 3,000 of Pembrokeshire’s County Council’s 6,129 workforce are paid less than the so-called ‘living wage’ of £7.65 per hour. An hourly rate of £7.65 per hour equates to an annual wage of around £15,000 pa.

if worked on a full-time basis. Paul Miller told us: “The pay of the former Chief Executive was allowed to reach a level completely out of kilter with the lives of the ordinary people Pembrokeshire Council is elected to serve. Future Chief Officer remuneration needs to be much lower and needs to be very clearly related to the pay of rest of staff body.

I’m pleased that the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales has sought to significantly reduce the salary offered to the next Chief Executive. I will, at next weeks meeting, be calling for a much more wide ranging review of senior officer pay in Pembrokeshire.”

TIME TO MOVE FORWARD’ 

Bob Kilmister agreed: “On the basis of the evidence I have seen so far, the recommendation from the Remuneration Panel for Wales is in my view is extremely sensible. The Pembrokeshire Alliance said at its launch, ‘We want to see an end to the excessive pay of senior staff.’ It is clear the Remuneration Panel for Wales agree with this conclusion. How successive ruling administrations have allowed such excessive pay over a such a long period of time remains a mystery to me and I am sure most of the residents of Pembrokeshire.”

The issue of the high salary paid to former Chief Executive Bryn Parry-Jones was highlighted by Cllr Jacob Williams: “It would appear from the Panel’s recommendation that Bryn Parry-Jones was overpaid for his role for nigh on twenty years. With several pay rises during that time, there was plenty of scope to bring it back to a reasonable figure but as your readers know, the ruling independent party are easy with other people’s money.

Always have been, always will be.” Cllr David Simpson told The Herald: “I think that the Council should listen to the advice given from the Independent Remuneration Panel. When I was a Cabinet Member, we were told time and again that the Welsh Assembly Government ‘had it in’ for Pembrokeshire because the Independents were the ruling group! Look where this Group mentality thinking has got us.

The attitude that the Independent Group is always right is the reason that Pembrokeshire County Council is the laughing stock of Wales. The arrogance of members of the Independent Group has prevailed for far too long, when Education was put into Special Measures help and assistance offered to us by the Ministerial Board was constantly fought against.

The Chairman of the Ministerial Board, who was himself a retired Judge, could not believe the resistance he met. He once stated to me that whenever he pointed out a problem with the system the Council would retaliated with thirty excuses! It took the Council 12 months to realize that the Board was right and we either worked with them or they would take over the authority. The Panel’s knowledge is far superior to that of lay members of the Council and it’s time for us to put excuses behind us. It is time to move forward.”

1 Comment

1 Comment

  1. ieuan

    December 18, 2014 at 6:38 pm

    £145,000 for Bryn’s replacement??
    Is that idiot Jamie Adams having a laugh??
    Go back to your old job Jamie!!!

    Pay him under £100,000, he’s only running a council not Wales!

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News

Coastguard called to Goodwick breakwater after items found

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HM COASTGUARD teams from Fishguard and Moylegrove were called into action on Tuesday morning (Mar 25) after personal belongings were discovered on Goodwick breakwater.

The lifeboat crew from RNLI Fishguard also launched, as emergency services responded to concerns that a person may have entered the water.

The incident began at around 10:34am when Dyfed-Powys Police requested assistance in conducting a coordinated search of the area, both by land and sea.

After a full search involving Coastguard teams and the lifeboat, no missing person was found and the operation was stood down.

A spokesperson for HM Coastguard said: “If you’re ever out and about and see something that doesn’t look right, don’t ignore it. Call 101 to report non-emergencies or dial 999 and ask for the Coastguard if there’s any danger to life on the coast.”

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Education

County’s musical talents celebrated at annual music festival

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PEMBROKESHIRE MUSIC SERVICE welcomed pupils from across the county to share their musical talents with a delighted audience at the Primary Valero Music Festival. 

The overall winner of the festival, held at Ysgol Caer Elen on March 22nd, was Ysgol Bro Penfro pupil Wolfgang Evans on the piano, with his rendition of “Jackson Street Blues” by Martha Mier.

Wolfgang was also winner of the Open Brass class, performing “Rondino” by Allan Street on trumpet.

In the morning the children performed in the Open Classes and in the afternoon the audience enjoyed the Spotlight Concert that featured performances winners:

Open woodwind – Saxophonist Autumn Sheppard, Coastlands, who played “Bye Bye Blackbird by Ray Henderson

Open Strings – violinist Denisa Rusu, Saundersfoot School, who played “Gavotte” by Couperin.

Open Drums – Ifan Murphy, Ysgol Caer Elen, who played “Are You Gonna Go My Way.”

Saundersfoot CP School’s orchestra won the Ensemble category but sadly could not perform in the afternoon due to a variety of commitments. Earlier in the day they performed “Drive Time” by Jock McKenzie. 

Head of Pembrokeshire Music Service Philippa Roberts said: “Congratulations to our dedicated primary pupils for their wonderful performances at the music festival. Their hard work and dedication shone through in a truly inclusive and supportive atmosphere, where every child was celebrated. 

“It was a fantastic showcase of music and teamwork supported by dedicated tutors, parents and carers.”

Karin Jenkins, who adjudicated the strings classes, echoed Philippa’s sentiments, and added: “How amazing today’s music festival was for Pembrokeshire’s primary pupils. It was a fantastic opportunity to immerse ourselves in musical talent and I loved every moment. Everyone seemed to be having such a great time performing, and their energy was fantastic.” 

Pembrokeshire Music Service Primary Valero Music Festival 2025 Results:

Woodwind

Initial Grade flute:

1st – Lyra Constable, Spittal

2nd – Maisie Parkin, St Oswalds

3rd – Lara Morgan, Wolfscastle

Initial Grade clarinet & saxophone:

1st – Maya Cunliffe, Cleddau Reach

2nd – Ellis Roberts, Bro Ingli

3rd – Lois Morgan, Wolfscastle

Grade 1:

1st – Mia John, Mary Immaculate

2nd – Ethan Stoney, Prendergast

3rd – Iolo Thomas, Bro Ingli

Grade 2:

1st – Eva Evans, St Aidans

2nd – Paige Youngs, Johnston

3rd – Phoebe Rees, Coastlands & Skyla Fletcher, Johnston

Open:

1st – Autumn Sheppard, Coastlands

2nd – Osian Kite, Roch

3rd – Hattie Phillips, MHCPS

Brass:

Initial Grade:

1st – Sam Triggs, Llandudoch

2nd – Wilf Davies, Llanychllwydog & Leila Mundy-Kearns, Llandudoch

3rd – Jaxon Price, PDCS

Lower Brass Grade 1:

1st – Phoebe Jones, Hafan y mor

2nd – Gwennan Davies, Bro Preseli

3rd – Eliana Barder, Hafan y mor

HC – Alfie Chester, Cleddau Reach & Molly Thomas, St Teilos

Trumpet & Cornet Grade 1:

1st – Noah Lewis, Wdig

2nd – Llion Davies, Bro Preseli

3rd – Penny de Wreede, Roch

HC – Olivia Conroy-Thornberry, Johnston & Chester Price, Tenby VC

Grade 2:

1st – Isaac Phillips, Saundersfoot

2nd – Edward Skidmore, St Teilos

3rd – TJ Stewart, Glannau Gwaun

Open:

1st – Wolfgang Evans, Bro Penfro

2nd – Carys Meiring, Hafan y mor

3rd – Ella-May Kirby, MHCPS

HC – Mali McFarlane, Caer Elen & Iolo Simms, Caer Elen

Strings

Initial grade:

1st – Archie Hayden, Redhill

2nd – Sara Thomas, Bro Preseli

3rd – Tillie Ward, Bro Preseli

HC – Phoebe Harries, St Oswalds, Nia Owen, Ger y Llan, Maisie Gray, Ger y Llan, Poppy Armstrong

Grade 1:

1st – Esme Phillips, Penrhyn Dewi

2nd – Haf Evans, Cilgerran

3rd – Rebecca Lowe, Caer Elen

HC – Huw Tamplin – Narberth, Efa Britton – Johnston, Suki Heulwen – Bro Penfro, Gracie Jones – Waldo Williams, Patsi Reynolds – Caer Elen, Ashley Cristabel – Prendergast, Aled Hooper – Caer Elen, Saskia Winton – Narberth, Maisie Torok -St Oswalds & Harper Wallis – Hafan y mor

Open:

1st – Denisa Rusu, Saundersfoot

2nd – Alice Ng, Caer Elen & Leila Powell

3rd – Elsa Rae Gibbons, Caer Elen & Fred Powell 

HC – Harrison Sheppard, Caer Elen & Bella Raymond, Caer Elen

Piano & Harp

Initial grade piano:

1st – Harry Brace, Penrhyn

2nd – Efa Harries, Penrhyn Dewi

3rd – Maiya Cunliffe, Redhill

 HC – Dougie Nevinson, Lamphey

Grade 1 piano:

1st – Carys Callan, Redhill

2nd – River Regelous, Penrhyn

3rd – Evelyn James, Tavernspite

HC – Michael Aulehla-Atkin, Caer Elen & Elodie Voaden, Tavernspite

Grade 1 Harp:

1st – Efa John, Maenclochog

2nd – Haf Evans, Cilgerran

3rd – Ruby Robinson, Caer Elen & Bella Grove, Maenclochog

HC – Delun Hancock-Phillips, Caer Elen

Grade 2 piano:

1st – Harry Hayden, Redhill

2nd – Emily Thomas-Ward, Redhill

3rd – Ella Schwierzi, Nant y Cwm

HC – Seth Morris, Croesgoch

Grade 2 harp:

1st – Elen Davies, Bro Preseli

2nd – Olivia Davies, Caer Elen

3rd – Ffion Fenrick, Cilgerran

HC – Ethan Dunkeld, Cilgerran

Open piano & harp:

1st – Wolfgang Evans, Bro Penfro

2nd – Eva Evans, St Aidans

3rd – Gethin Wade, Maenclochog

HC – Cadi Haf Marshall-Jones, Bro Preseli

Percussion

Initial Grade:

1st – Luca Rebiga, Saundersfoot

2nd – Harper Wolverson, St Florence

3rd – Dylan Chan, Saundersfoot & Madi Wright, Saundersfoot

Grade 1:

1st – Sadie Neuman, Roch

2nd – Felix Livock, Tenby VC

3rd – Alfie Hughes, Tenby VC

HC – Harry D’Ortez, Tenby VC

Open:

1st – Ifan Murphy, Caer Elen

2nd – Ollie Holloway, Roch

3rd – Aled Hooper, Caer Elen

HC – Esme Muir, Gelliswick

Ensembles

1st – Saundersfoot School orchestra

2nd – Bro Preseli Harp ensemble & Cilgerran Harp ensemble

3rd – Violin duet (Fred & Leila Powell) & Wiston piano duet (Eva Evans & Millie Griffiths)

HC – Hook ensemble & Caer Elen harp ensemble

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Community

Loved and lost baby remembrance service to be held in Carmarthen

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THE ANNUAL Hywel Dda ‘Loved and Lost Baby Remembrance Service’ will take place at midday on Saturday (Apr 26) in Carmarthen.

The service, organised by Hywel Dda University Health Board and led by the Spiritual Care Department (Chaplaincy), is intended to offer comfort and reflection for parents and families who have experienced the loss of a baby.

It will be held at Bethel Chapel, Hill House, Picton Terrace, SA31 3BT. The chapel is behind the Welsh Government offices and the Army Reserve Centre, with parking available nearby.

Senior Chaplain Euryl Howells said the service is an opportunity for people to come together and remember babies who have passed away, regardless of when the loss happened or at what stage of pregnancy.

A parent who attended a previous service said it meant a great deal to them in remembering their child.

Cerian Llewellyn, interim head of midwifery, said the service also allows health professionals to show support for grieving families and to honour the memory of the babies who have died.

Parents are invited to bring a photograph or a small item such as a blanket, toy, or something bearing the baby’s name to place on a memory table during the service.

Refreshments will be provided by Pastor Tim and members of Bethel Church.

Those unable to attend but who wish to commemorate their baby can email a message to [email protected] by Tuesday (Apr 22).

Further information is available by calling Euryl Howells on 01267 227563 or by email at [email protected].

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