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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)
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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.
26 February 2013
MLAs Hand Over Antarctica Regulation
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13 September 2006
Hanson defends new capital value rating system
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Hanson defends new capital value rating system
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21 July 2004
New rates plans necessary, says Minister
A new domestic rating system, due to come into effect from April 2007, means households in Northern Ireland will pay rates on a fairer basis, Finance Minister Ian Pearson has said today.
New rates plans necessary, says Minister
A new domestic rating system, due to come into effect from April 2007, means households in Northern Ireland will pay rates on a fairer basis, Finance Minister Ian Pearson has said today.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Gale, coastal severe gale, northwest winds ease from late afternoon. Scattered showers will fall as snow over the hills at first, becoming isolated from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 7 °C.Tonight:Showers, scattered in the evening, will clear by midnight leaving the night dry with clear spells. Cloud will spread east towards morning. Minimum temperature 2 °C.
