Independent Body Proposes MLA Pay Arrangements for next Assembly Mandate

Independent Remuneration Board

The Independent Remuneration Board (the Board), which is responsible for setting the salaries and pensions of Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), has published a draft Determination on MLA pay for the 2027-32 Assembly mandate.

The basic MLA salary will rise from £67,200 to £69,216 from the first sitting day of the new Assembly mandate next year, with future annual adjustments determined by earnings growth, but limited by a 3% cap.*

The draft Assembly Members (Salaries) Determination (Northern Ireland) 2027 proposes that annual MLA salary increases are linked to median earnings growth in Northern Ireland**, subject to a maximum increase of three per cent in any year.

Alan Lowry, Chairperson of the Board, said: “In March this year, we made our first Determination on MLA pay (Assembly Members (Salaries) Determination (Northern Ireland) 2026) for the current Assembly mandate. That Determination was intended as a corrective measure, as the arrangements for reviewing and setting MLA pay had not operated effectively for almost a decade.

“At that time, we said that we would expect any future adjustments to reflect inflationary and other pay trends of the day.

“MLAs carry out a wide range of important duties, from representing constituents and scrutinising legislation to holding Ministers and Departments to account. It is right that their remuneration recognises the complexity and importance of those responsibilities, while ensuring that financial considerations do not discourage people from seeking elected office.

“As we look ahead to the Assembly election next year and the start of a new mandate, it is important that we put in place a structured and transparent mechanism that links MLA pay to changes in earnings in Northern Ireland. This approach ensures that pay remains aligned with wider developments in society, while providing certainty and maintaining public confidence in the process.”

In a change to the 2016 and 2026 Determinations, where a schedule set out the total remuneration payable to each office-holder (comprising the basic MLA salary and any additional office-holder payment), the 2027 draft Determination includes a table showing only the additional payments attached to those offices, separate from the basic MLA salary. These payments also recognise the responsibilities and duties associated with a number of Assembly roles.***

The basic MLA salary will increase during the mandate in line with earnings growth, but these office-holder payments will remain unchanged throughout the 2027-32 mandate.

Alan Lowry added: “In making this draft Determination, we are increasing the transparency of our decision-making and making it easier for the public to understand how remuneration is structured.

“The Board will now consult with our statutory consultees: MLAs, the Assembly Commission and the Assembly Members' Pension Trustees, over a four-week period. It is also inviting views from members of the public during this same timeframe.****

“After that, we will take some time to reflect on the responses received and present a final Determination to the Assembly Commission for publication and implementation.

“As we set out previously, there are significant financial sanctions that would apply if an Executive is not formed following the next and subsequent elections - or if at any time the offices of First Minister and deputy First Minister become vacant.”*****

 

ENDS

 

 

For further information please contact Felicity Templeton, Assembly communications office:
felicity.templeton@niassembly.gov.uk / 07977 635930

 

 

Notes to editors:

  • Read the draft Assembly Members (Salaries) Determination (Northern Ireland) 2027 here.
  • Alan Lowry, Chair of the IRB, will be available for interview in person, at Parliament Buildings, between 1-3pm this afternoon (Thursday 17 September).  If you are interested in speaking to him, please email communications@niassembly.gov.uk
  • *The next mandate will commence following the 2027 election, with the first sitting taking place within the statutory eight-day period.

The salary increase taking effect from the first sitting day of the new Assembly mandate in 2027 is a set 3%, irrespective of ASHE figures.

From 31 March 2028, MLA salaries may be adjusted annually in line with increases in median weekly earnings for full-time employees in Northern Ireland, as published by NISRA. This is intended to ensure salaries remain broadly aligned with the level set by the Board at the start of the Assembly mandate, taking account of changes in earnings and inflation. 

  • **The Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE) reports median gross weekly earnings for full-time employees in Northern Ireland.  Read more here.
  • ***Read the Assembly Members (Salaries and Expenses) Determination (Northern Ireland) 2016 here.

Details relating to office holders can be found in the 2027 draft Determination (see link above). Where a member holds more than one office as specified in the table, they will only be paid the highest of the additional salary payments.

  • ****Members of the public can submit their views via Citizen Space here.  All responses will be considered by the Board.
  • *****A reduction of 10% would be applied to MLA salaries after six weeks and again at weeks 12 and 18 - if a government had not been formed in line with the Northern Ireland Act 1998 which allows six months for its formation.
  • As well as this Determination on MLA salaries for the 2027-32 mandate, the Board made a Determination on MLA pay for the current mandate earlier this year. You can read it here. A further Determination on MLA pensions will be made at a later date.
  • The Board does not make Determinations in respect of MLA allowances.  In 2020, the Assembly conferred powers on the Assembly Commission to determine allowances payable to Members. See the 2025 Determination by the Assembly Commission here.

 

 

The Independent Remuneration Board

  • The Board replaced the Independent Financial Review Panel and its responsibility is more limited i.e. to make Determinations on MLA pay and pensions.
  • The Board will make its Determinations on salaries and pensions only once in respect of each Assembly. However the 2011 Act (as revised) makes provision for exceptional circumstances.
  • The role of the Board is to make Determinations in relation to all aspects of salaries and pensions for MLAs as well as the remuneration of officeholders including the Speaker, Deputy Speakers, Assembly Commission Members and Committee Chairpersons - as well as the remuneration of members of the Northern Ireland Executive (the First Minister, deputy First Minister, Ministers) and Junior Ministers.
  • The Board is made up of a Chairperson and two other members who are each appointed for a five-year term. Read more about the Board here.