Stormont MLAs set to receive £2,000 pay increase

Stormont MLAs are set to receive a £2,000 pay increase.

It comes following a decision by the Independent Renumeration Board, which is responsible for setting MLA salaries and pensions.

The board’s latest recommendation will see the basic Assembly Member salary increase from £67,200 to £69,216 from the first day of the new Assembly mandate next year.

Earlier this year, the board awarded a £14,000 pay increase for MLAs.

Board chair Alan Lowry described the earlier increase as a corrective after the former arrangements for reviewing and setting MLA had not operated effectively for almost a decade.

“At that time we said that we would expect any future adjustments to reflect inflationary and other pay trends of the day,” he said.

“MLAs carry out a wide range of important duties, from representing constituents and scrutinising legislation to holding Ministers and Departments to account.

“It is right that their remuneration recognises the complexity and importance of those responsibilities, while ensuring that financial considerations do not discourage people from seeking elected office.

“As we look ahead to the Assembly election next year and the start of a new mandate, it is important that we put in place a structured and transparent mechanism that links MLA pay to changes in earnings in Northern Ireland.

“This approach ensures that pay remains aligned with wider developments in society, while providing certainty and maintaining public confidence in the process.”