MLA pay: NI politicians' £14,000 pay rise confirmed

A proposed pay rise of more than £14,000 for Stormont assembly members (MLAs) will go ahead, the panel that sets their salaries has said. MLAs currently earn £53,000 a year, which is less than their counterparts in the UK's other devolved parliaments in Scotland and Wales. The pay rise will increase their salaries to £67,200 a year from April this year. The independent remuneration board announced the proposals last month and said it would seek views and feedback on its draft determination from MLAs, the Assembly Commission and the Assembly Members' Pension Trustees. The board is responsible for determining the salaries and pensions of MLAs. It has also confirmed the introduction of new financial sanctions which will apply if an executive is not formed after the next assembly election, or if at any point the offices of first and deputy first minister become vacant. MLA salaries would be reduced by 10% after week six, a further 10% after week 12, and another 10% after week 18, should government formation not occur within the six-month statutory period. The board was set up last year with support from the largest Stormont parties but faced criticism from the TUV and People Before Pro