WELSH Assembly Members will receive a £10,000 pay rise after next year's assembly election.

Members' salaries will increase from £54,000 to £64,000 after May 2016.

The 18 per cent pay rise was rubber stamped last Friday (22nd May) to take into account greater devolution and an increase in responsibilities.

The controversial rise has been criticised by several members, with some refusing to accept the money.

Assembly member for Monmouth, Nick Ramsay, said: "It's clearly impossible to justify the proposed 18 per cent increase.

"I donated the last pay rise to St David's Foundation Hospice care and if re-elected will also give next year's rise to a local charity."

Speaking out against the rise when it was first announced six months ago, he said: "It's impossible to look a health service worker on a one per cent increase in the eye and justify this increase.

"AMs need a pay rise that is fair but one that also means we can step outside the front door without getting rotten tomatoes hurled at us."

Several politicians have also spoken out against the rise. Plaid Cymru's Leanne Wood AM, said: "When many are getting a pay freeze or a real terms cut, I can't support this salary increase for AMs."

The Beacon attempted to contact the Welsh Assembly yesterday (26th May) to speak on the subject, but they were on an extended bank holiday known as a 'privilege day'.