Stormont Introduces Plans for MLA Pay Board

The Northern Ireland Assembly has introduced the Assembly Members (Remuneration Board) Bill, aimed at establishing a new independent board to set salaries and pensions for MLAs, following the end of the Independent Financial Review Panel's terms in 2016. Currently, MLAs earn £52,500, significantly less than their counterparts in Scotland and Wales, who earn £72,196 and £72,057, respectively. However, some MLAs express concerns that the new board may lead to a substantial pay rise, with TUV MLA Timothy Gaston stating he believes MLAs should not receive any increase at all. Despite these apprehensions, Justice Minister Naomi Long indicated that pay is a low priority for her and that significant pay increases should not be anticipated. The bill aims to ensure that MLA pay is determined independently, addressing previous issues where members felt they should not set their own salaries. The Assembly Commission supports this legislative move, emphasizing the importance of independent oversight in determining pay levels.