Welsh Government’s special adviser costs soar to £1.7m

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First Minister Eluned Morgan with previous First Minister Mark Drakeford (Image: Welsh Government)

Last Updated: October 4, 2024

The Welsh Government has revealed a significant increase in spending on special advisers, with the total cost reaching £1.7m for the fiscal year 2023/24. This figure represents more than double the amount spent in the previous year, as disclosed by First Minister Eluned Morgan in a written statement to the Senedd.

Special advisers, known as SpAds, provide party political advice and support to ministers, a role that cannot be fulfilled by the neutral civil service. The total cost includes £479,714 in severance payments, marking a 112% rise from the £835,840 total in 2019/20.

Baroness Morgan explained the role of special advisers: “Special advisers add a political dimension to the advice and assistance available to ministers while reinforcing the political impartiality of the permanent civil service by distinguishing the source of political advice and support.”

The contracts of all special advisers were terminated following former First Minister Mark Drakeford’s departure in March, as per standard procedure. Some advisers have since been rehired, resulting in a recoupment of £189,000, reducing the net severance payments to approximately £290,000.

During the 2023/24 financial year, the Welsh Government employed 18 special advisers, equating to 14 full-time equivalent positions. The standard salary range for these advisers is £57,740 to £75,705 annually, with senior special advisers earning between £75,000 and £88,130.

It’s worth noting that some appointments were linked to the now-defunct cooperation agreement with Plaid Cymru. The figures presented do not include projections for the 2024/25 fiscal year, which saw additional changes in leadership.

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