Menu
15/05/2007
MLAs receive ‘45% pay rise’
Assembly members in Northern Ireland are set to have their office allowances increased by around 45%, sources have revealed.
Secretary of State Peter Hain recommended an independent body review the salaries, and just days before devolution was restored the decision was made to raise the money from just under £50,000 to £70,000.
The expenses allow the MLAs to employ people and help carry out their constituency work as well as pay for the rent of office accommodation.
Each MLA is now ensured a total package of over £110,000 and the figure could increase if an MLA has extra responsibilities like being a Committee Chair, or has speaker duties.
Meanwhile, First Minister Ian Paisley is due to address the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association at Stormont, which is in Northern Ireland for its 38th conference, with delegates from Europe, Pakistan and South Africa.
Sinn Fein yesterday said that while it would not back an Ulster Unionist call for the assembly to rejoin the association, it would not be opposing it.
Brian Wilson of the Green Party has called for a review of the new rating system which he believes unfairly discriminates against people living on their own.
“Let’s have our own tax raising powers. The Scottish Parliament does have and there’s no reason why we couldn’t be given the same powers,” Mr Wilson said.
He added that those in single occupancy, mainly pensioners, should enjoy a rebate on their rates like the rest of the UK.
(JM/KMcA)
Secretary of State Peter Hain recommended an independent body review the salaries, and just days before devolution was restored the decision was made to raise the money from just under £50,000 to £70,000.
The expenses allow the MLAs to employ people and help carry out their constituency work as well as pay for the rent of office accommodation.
Each MLA is now ensured a total package of over £110,000 and the figure could increase if an MLA has extra responsibilities like being a Committee Chair, or has speaker duties.
Meanwhile, First Minister Ian Paisley is due to address the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association at Stormont, which is in Northern Ireland for its 38th conference, with delegates from Europe, Pakistan and South Africa.
Sinn Fein yesterday said that while it would not back an Ulster Unionist call for the assembly to rejoin the association, it would not be opposing it.
Brian Wilson of the Green Party has called for a review of the new rating system which he believes unfairly discriminates against people living on their own.
“Let’s have our own tax raising powers. The Scottish Parliament does have and there’s no reason why we couldn’t be given the same powers,” Mr Wilson said.
He added that those in single occupancy, mainly pensioners, should enjoy a rebate on their rates like the rest of the UK.
(JM/KMcA)
Related Northern Ireland News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
14 November 2024
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
Alliance Warns Of Post Office Closure Impact On Vulnerable
Alliance Communities spokespeople Sian Mulholland MLA and Kellie Armstrong MLA have warned that the closure of local Crown Post Office branches could disproportionately affect the most vulnerable members of society.
16 January 2015
American Philanthropist Donates £600,000 To Assembly
An American billionaire philanthropist has donated £600,000 to the Northern Ireland Assembly. It is the second time that Chuck Feeney has made a donation. The money is to be used to pay for the promotion of women in politics and to offer MLAs courses on speech writing, dealing with the media and how to manage your online reputation.
American Philanthropist Donates £600,000 To Assembly
An American billionaire philanthropist has donated £600,000 to the Northern Ireland Assembly. It is the second time that Chuck Feeney has made a donation. The money is to be used to pay for the promotion of women in politics and to offer MLAs courses on speech writing, dealing with the media and how to manage your online reputation.
26 February 2013
MLAs Hand Over Antarctica Regulation
The Northern Ireland Assembly has handed back its powers over Antarctica. These were accidentally transferred to Stormont and the Scottish parliament during devolution. The UK Foreign office has now regained the its powers to regulate expeditions and environmental matters of the Southern Ocean continent.
MLAs Hand Over Antarctica Regulation
The Northern Ireland Assembly has handed back its powers over Antarctica. These were accidentally transferred to Stormont and the Scottish parliament during devolution. The UK Foreign office has now regained the its powers to regulate expeditions and environmental matters of the Southern Ocean continent.
07 October 2016
Food Hygiene Rating Scheme Becomes Mandatory
The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is now mandatory in Northern Ireland, it has been announced. From today, 07 October, food businesses in the region must now display their food hygiene rating sticker.
Food Hygiene Rating Scheme Becomes Mandatory
The Food Hygiene Rating Scheme is now mandatory in Northern Ireland, it has been announced. From today, 07 October, food businesses in the region must now display their food hygiene rating sticker.
13 September 2006
Hanson defends new capital value rating system
Finance Minister, David Hanson MP has defended the new capital value rating system and reaffirmed his decision not to introduce a maximum limit, explaining that a cap would have to be paid for by other ratepayers.
Hanson defends new capital value rating system
Finance Minister, David Hanson MP has defended the new capital value rating system and reaffirmed his decision not to introduce a maximum limit, explaining that a cap would have to be paid for by other ratepayers.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
