New board set to determine pay for Stormont MLAs

A proposed new board is set to determine salaries and pensions for members of the Northern Ireland Assembly.

The Assembly Members (Remuneration Board) Bill was introduced in the Assembly on Tuesday by the Assembly Commission.

The Bill proposes the establishment of an independent Remuneration Board to determine MLA salaries and pensions, to follow the previous Independent Financial Review Panel.

However, some MLAs have said they suspect it is a means to secure a pay increase for MLAs.

Currently the basic salary for an MLA is £51,500, but this can rise with position including chairing some committees or serving as a minister, with the First and deputy First Ministers receiving a salary of £123,500.

A spokesperson for the Assembly Commission said MLAs passed a resolution in June 2020 that salaries and pensions should continue to be determined independently, while the commission should determine allowances.

This was delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic and the recent effective collapse of the Assembly.

“However, in introducing this new Bill today, the Assembly Commission has taken the first step towards ensuring that the statute book reflects the position previously agreed by the Assembly,” the Assembly Commission spokesperson said.

“It will provide for the independent oversight in relation to Members’ salaries and pensions to continue.”

“The Bill will create a new independent Remuneration Board, and sets out the detail underpinning it, including that it will have independent membership, to take independent decisions on the appropriate level for the salaries and pensions of Members.

“The Assembly Commission looks forward to engaging with Members on the detail of the Bill as it makes its way through the legislative scrutiny process.”

Speaking in the Assembly, TUV MLA Timothy Gaston claimed the move is an “attempt by parties represented on the commission to give cover for the awarding of a pay rise to MLAs”.

“I don’t believe we are worth it,” he said.

People Before Profit MLA Gerry Carroll also contended it was a move towards a “substantial salary increase for MLAs”.

“If MLA salaries are increased in line with Scotland and Wales, that means a 28% pay increase for politicians – this would be a kick in the teeth for every worker who stood on picket lines, who fought for pay increases that barely keep pace with inflation,” he said.