Dear Consultee
CONSULTATION ON NI ASSEMBLY MEMBERS’ SALARIES AND OFFICE HOLDER ALLOWANCES, OFFICE EXPENSES AND PENSIONS
The Independent Financial Review Panel has been established to make determinations in relation to:
- the salaries and allowances payable to members of the Northern Ireland Assembly under section 47 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, and
- the pensions, gratuities and allowances payable under section 48 of that Act.
The Panel’s objectives are to:
- secure for members of the Assembly a level of remuneration which fairly reflects the complexity of their role and does not deter, on financial grounds, people with the necessary ability and commitment from seeking election to the Assembly, and
- ensure probity, accountability and value for money with respect to the expenditure of public funds.
The Panel is independent and is not subject to the direction or control of the Northern Ireland Assembly or the Assembly Commission. Supporting me as Chair of the Panel are two Panel Members, Alan McQuillan and Dr Etta Campbell. Further information is available on the Panel’s website www.ifrp.org.uk.
In order to inform its work, the Panel would welcome the views of individuals and organisations. In particular, the Panel is seeking views on the following:
Do you feel that Assembly members’ current basic salaries reflect the complexity of their responsibilities? If not, what do you regard as an appropriate salary?
Do you consider the current Office Holder allowances appropriate to the additional roles and responsibilities required of these Assembly members? If not, what do you regard as appropriate for each Office Holder?
Assembly Members are entitled to the reimbursement of certain expenses which they incur to support their Assembly and constituency responsibilities. Do you feel that the level of these expenses is appropriate?
Do you regard the pension arrangements for Assembly Members to be appropriate?
I am attaching some background information which I hope you will find useful.
It would be helpful if you could be as specific as possible in your response and, where appropriate, give the reasons for your views, comments or suggestions.
You can respond to me at the address below or by email to info@ifrp.org.uk.
The deadline for submitting your views is 5pm on Friday 9 December 2011.
On behalf of the Panel, I look forward to hearing from you.
Yours sincerely
PAT McCARTAN
Chair