New Bill Requires MLAs to Accept Pay Rise Recommendations

A Stormont committee has heard that MLAs will be unable to refuse any pay rise that would be recommended by the new independent Remuneration Board.

Assembly Commission Meeting: Members of the Assembly Commission provided evidence at a meeting regarding the new Remuneration Board. The proposed Board would have the authority to set salaries and pensions for MLAs, similar to the defunct Independent Financial Review Panel.

Comparing Salaries: The new Remuneration Board will consider salaries of MPs, TDs, Senators, Members of the Scottish Parliament, and Members of the Welsh Assembly. Current variations in salaries across these groups have sparked discussions on the proposed changes.

Unavoidable Increase: Sinead Ennis, responding on behalf of the Assembly Commission, clarified that individual MLAs cannot decline a suggested salary increase. The Assembly is obligated under Section 47 of the Northern Ireland Act to pay members as per the determined salaries, leaving no room for opting out.