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10/10/2011
Political 'Multiple Jobbing Payments' Face Cuts
Money matters are in focus for politicians today as a bid to force councillors who are also MPs, MLAs or members of the House of Lords to have their allowances cut emerges.
The Stormont Environment Minister, Alex Attwood, has launched a consultation on whether to reduce allowances by two thirds, for councillors who also serve as Westminster MPs, Stormont MLAs or members of the House of Lords.
At present a councillor's basic allowance is £9,738. If they are also an MP or MLA or member of the House of Lords, this will reduce to £3,246.
Some councillors also receive a special responsibility allowance, although each council sets these amounts paid.
The SDLP MLA said the consultation period closes on the 16 December and added: "I believe that elected representatives - whether in councils, the Assembly or at Westminster - should receive reasonable allowances for performing their civic duty.
"Political life, as with so many jobs, is demanding and carries risk, and the commitment from our local councillors is considerable.
"Indeed, I will create a review of councillors' allowances in terms of [Review of Public Administration] RPA going forward," he added.
"However, there is still an issue about councillors who hold multiple mandates receiving their full council, Assembly or even Westminster entitlements.
"In my opinion this needs to be adjusted. I believe it is also the opinion of the majority of taxpayers.
"That is why I am consulting on reducing the allowances of people in this position by two thirds while still recognising the valuable role played by our elected representatives," he said.
"Indeed to be thorough and hear all opinions, I am asking people to advise if there should be no change, although clearly this is not where I believe the weight of argument or evidence is," added Minister Attwood.
(BMcC/CD)
The Stormont Environment Minister, Alex Attwood, has launched a consultation on whether to reduce allowances by two thirds, for councillors who also serve as Westminster MPs, Stormont MLAs or members of the House of Lords.
At present a councillor's basic allowance is £9,738. If they are also an MP or MLA or member of the House of Lords, this will reduce to £3,246.
Some councillors also receive a special responsibility allowance, although each council sets these amounts paid.
The SDLP MLA said the consultation period closes on the 16 December and added: "I believe that elected representatives - whether in councils, the Assembly or at Westminster - should receive reasonable allowances for performing their civic duty.
"Political life, as with so many jobs, is demanding and carries risk, and the commitment from our local councillors is considerable.
"Indeed, I will create a review of councillors' allowances in terms of [Review of Public Administration] RPA going forward," he added.
"However, there is still an issue about councillors who hold multiple mandates receiving their full council, Assembly or even Westminster entitlements.
"In my opinion this needs to be adjusted. I believe it is also the opinion of the majority of taxpayers.
"That is why I am consulting on reducing the allowances of people in this position by two thirds while still recognising the valuable role played by our elected representatives," he said.
"Indeed to be thorough and hear all opinions, I am asking people to advise if there should be no change, although clearly this is not where I believe the weight of argument or evidence is," added Minister Attwood.
(BMcC/CD)
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Salaries and expenses ranging from just under a quarter of a million pounds up to £360,000 are being paid to 16 local politicians. All are 'double-jobbing' representatives, being MLAs and MPs and almost half are paid over £9,000 in allowances as councillors as well. In all the taxpayer has funded the top 16 politicians to the tune of more than £4.
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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.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:The day will be very windy with strong to gale force westerly winds becoming occasionally severe along the north coast. Sunny spells will be interspersed with scattered showers. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:West to northwest gale force winds, severe along the north coast, will continue overnight. Frequent showers persist, merging into longer periods of rain at times and turning wintry. Minimum temperature 1 °C.
