The Welsh Government has launched a public consultation on proposals to monitor chief executive and senior management pay packages, in the aftermath of recent scandals at Caerphilly Council.

The move follows an amendment passed in the Welsh National Assembly by opposition Plaid Cymru local government spokesman Rhodri Glyn Thomas – a decision initially opposed by the Welsh Government which had favoured allowing councils to set senior salaries independently.

Under changes to the Local Democracy (Wales) Bill, the Wales Audit Office could, subject to consultation, gain powers to monitor pay awards for senior officers, including wider benefit packages, and make recommendations to Welsh councils.

‘I was grateful the minister recognised the importance of our efforts and eventually supported our position to introduce an independent assessment of senior officer remuneration,' said Mr Thomas.

‘This is a significant achievement which will  bring greater accountability and transparency to senior officer remuneration packages,' he added.