Impact of the New Independent Board on MLAs' Pay

MLAs have voted to establish a new independent board to decide their salaries and pensions, despite opposition from two of theAssembly’s smaller parties.

The Assembly Members (Independent Remuneration Board) Bill

The Bill passed by oral vote on Monday is intended to bring legal clarity and restore a structure for setting MLA pay after almost a decade without one. It replaces the long-defunct Independent Financial Review Panel, with MLAs now set to have an independent body regulating their pay and pensions. The move aims to align pay with decisions previously agreed and reinstate proper, independent oversight over MLA expenses.

Concerns and Frustrations

Despite this move towards more transparent pay regulation, some MLAs like Timothy Gaston and Gerry Carroll voted against it. They voiced concerns about potential pay rises and the inclusion of former MLAs on the board. The structure of the new system aims for independence from direct political influence, although questions linger regarding its neutrality.

Future Decisions

While this bill does not change MLA salaries immediately, it sets the foundation for an independent board to make such decisions in the future. It is designed to have a membership appointed independently, with the aim of avoiding direct political control over pay matters but concerns remain about former MLAs potentially being part of this regulatory body.