![Pinterest](https://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=https://uknews.evprotec.com/senedd-cost-of-more-welsh-politicians-to-be-revealed/&media=https://uknews.evprotec.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/131090133_gettyimages-159811859.jpg&description=Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Plans for more Welsh politicians have the backing of Plaid Cymru but are opposed by the Welsh Conservatives Estimates for the cost of electing 36 more politicians to the Senedd - likely to be more than £12m a year - are to be published for the first time later. Labour ministers will publish their plans to expand the Welsh Parliament, including more politicians and a new voting system, on Monday morning. The changes, if ready in time, will take effect at the 2026 election. The plans have the support of Plaid Cymru but are opposed by the Welsh Conservatives, largely on cost grounds. Up until now the Welsh government has not put a price tag on the reforms, which were drawn up between First Minister Mark Drakeford and Plaid Cymru's former leader Adam Price last year. On Monday, the Senedd will see the legislation it will need to pass to agree the changes, which will increase the number of Senedd members from 60 to 96. If passed, the expansion in Senedd members will come shortly after the number of Westminster MPs is cut in Wales from 40 to 32, although the two decisions are not linked. Earlier figures from 2020 suggested an extra 30 Senedd members would cost around £12m extra a year . The budget of the Senedd stands at about £67m, while the cost of the Welsh government is roughly £20bn. The costings, expected to be published alongside the legislation, have been drawn up following a request by Mr Drakeford to the Senedd. Earlier in the year the Senedd refused a BBC Wales attempt to obtain the figures through a Freedom of Information request. It said the figures were "intended to be treated confidentially", and that development of the policy had to take place in a "safe space" away from external challenge. In a list of reasons, officials said releasing the information before the legislation was introduced could "create concerns, whether within the wider public or media". The response said it was also in the public interest "to avo){kind=link}
Estimates for the cost of electing 36 more politicians to the Senedd – likely to be more than £12m a year – are to be published for the first time later.
Labour ministers will publish their plans to expand the Welsh Parliament, including more politicians and a new voting system, on Monday morning.
The changes, if ready in time, will take effect at the 2026 election.
The plans have the support of Plaid Cymru but are opposed by the Welsh Conservatives, largely on cost grounds.
Up until now the Welsh government has not put a price tag on the reforms, which were drawn up between First Minister Mark Drakeford and Plaid Cymru’s former leader Adam Price last year.