Powys County Councillors will see their salaries rise by £350 this year.

The decision for the 2.52 per cent pay rise has not been made by the council or any members, but the Independent Remuneration Panel for Wales which has stated that a basic salary of £14,218 must be paid to all councillors.

The news was met with a mixed reaction with views shared from readers who have had their say on the County Times Facebook page.

David Evans said: “Oh how I long for the days in the past when councillors didn’t get paid only expenses for travelling to meetings.

“Then they did it to contribute to their communities.”

Pat Kennedy said: “There are some who deserve the rise, sadly there are some whose name you never hear or see and their attendance records are abysmal.”

Jeremy Andrews said: “For the councillors who work a full week (of which I know of a few) that means that their salary is below the minimum wage.

“If they were on the minimum wage, then since April they would have got a six per cent pay rise.

“Maybe they should be on minimum wage instead so that those who work 40 or more hours a week can actually be paid more?”

Kim Davies said: “Why? Can think of better used for that money.”

Fiona Roberts said: “Joy Jones (Newtown East County Cllr) is amazing.

“She is always available - gets things done and is very concerned for her constituents.

“She’s worth every penny.”