Northern Ireland Assembly members will receive a salary increase of £1,344 from May 2027, following a decision by Stormont's Independent Remuneration Board to reduce its initial proposal after extensive public consultation. According to BBC News, the board had originally proposed raising MLA salaries to £69,216, but revised the plan downward in response to feedback from more than 270 respondents who objected to the scale of the increase.
The final determination sets the basic MLA salary at £68,544, up from the current £67,200. This represents a 2% rise rather than the initially suggested 3%, a significant scaling back of the board's original ambitions. Alan Lowry, chair of the Independent Remuneration Board, explained that the adjustment reflects the views expressed during the public consultation process.
"More than nine out of ten respondents told us that the proposed MLA salary was too high and disagreed that it appropriately reflected the complexity and importance of the MLA role."
Lowry acknowledged the board's gratitude for the consultation feedback and stated that the revised proposals now take account of inflation and broader pay trends while maintaining a more restrained financial adjustment. He confirmed that the final determination is being presented to the Assembly Commission for publication and implementation ahead of the next Assembly mandate.
"We considered what people told us and, as a result, made significant adjustments to our proposals."
What prompted the change?
The public consultation revealed substantial opposition to the original salary proposal. The board received hundreds of responses expressing concern that the £69,216 figure was excessive and did not justify the scale of increase being offered. This feedback proved decisive in shaping the board's final recommendation, demonstrating the influence of public opinion on remuneration decisions at Stormont.
The decision comes against a backdrop of previous pay disputes at the Assembly. Earlier proposals had suggested a pay rise exceeding £2,000, which generated significant controversy. In April 2026, the basic MLA salary rose to £67,200 as part of a corrective measure after the pay system had not been working properly for 10 years.
How will future pay increases be managed?
For the 2027–32 mandate, basic salary increases will be linked to Northern Ireland median earnings growth and capped at 2% annually, while office-holder salaries will remain frozen in cash terms. This approach aims to balance fair compensation with public expectations and fiscal responsibility.
The board has also introduced a mechanism to address scenarios where an Executive fails to form after the next election. Under these circumstances, MLA salaries would be reduced by 10% at six weeks, with further 10% reductions at 12 and 18 weeks, potentially totaling a 30% reduction. This provision reflects concerns about accountability and the need for MLAs to form a functioning government.
Key Facts
- The basic MLA salary will increase to £68,544 from May 2027, a rise of £1,344 or 2%
- More than 270 individuals responded to the public consultation, with over 90% opposing the original £69,216 proposal
- Future salary increases will be capped at 2% annually and linked to Northern Ireland median earnings growth
- MLA salaries face potential reductions of up to 30% if an Executive is not formed following the next election
- The determination will be published and implemented by the Assembly Commission ahead of the next Assembly mandate
