15 September 2011
The Independent Financial Review Panel has today launched a consultation exercise to take the views of individuals and organisations on Assembly Members’ salaries and office holder allowances, office costs expenses and pensions.
The Panel was established in July 2011 to determine a level of remuneration which reflects the responsibilities of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and which does not deter, on financial grounds, people with the necessary commitment and ability from seeking election to the Assembly. The Panel is also required to ensure that the expenses paid to MLAs to carry out their Assembly and constituency duties are set at the appropriate level.
The Panel is fully independent and its decisions are not subject to approval by the Assembly. Members’ salaries have remained largely unchanged since they were determined in 2000. Members’ allowances were determined in 2010 and the current rates of pension contributions were set in April 2009.
Information about the consultation process is available on the Panel’s website
(www.ifrp.org.uk) or by telephone from the Secretary to the Panel (TN 90521252).
The deadline for submitting comments is 5pm on Friday 9 December 2011.
ENDS
Notes to Editor:
The Independent Financial Review Panel was established by the Northern Ireland Assembly Members (Independent Financial Review and Standards) Act 2011. Determinations made by the Panel are not subject to approval by the Assembly or the Assembly Commission.
The Panel Chair and members are as follows:
Chair
Patrick McCartan, CBE, MSc (Dist), FCIPD.
Members
Dr Henrietta Campbell CB, MD, FRCP
Alan McQuillan OBE BSc (Hons) MBA
For more information on the Independent Review Panel and its work visit
For more information please contact:
Georgie Campbell
Secretary
Independent Financial Review Panel
Room 24
Parliament Buildings
Ballymiscaw
Stormont
Belfast
BT4 3XX
Tel: 028 9052 1252
Email: info@ifrp.org.uk