The Northern Ireland Assembly's Audit Committee has released a report recommending a 4% salary increase for the Comptroller and Auditor General, effective from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026. The adjustment raises the salary by £6,181 to £160,708 and aligns with pay awards for Assembly Commission staff.

The committee further suggests applying this salary level retrospectively from the start of the 2023/24 financial year, the first full year for the current post-holder. Alan Chambers MLA, chair of the Audit Committee, indicated this accounts for inflation.

The Comptroller and Auditor General leads the Northern Ireland Audit Office and conducts external audits of central government bodies, Executive Departments, agencies, and other public sector entities. These include financial audits, value-for-money examinations, and reports to the Assembly. The role also authorizes payments from the Northern Ireland Consolidated Fund and oversees revenue collection arrangements. It operates independently from government.

In reviewing its own responsibilities for salary recommendations, the committee considered options such as shifting the duty to the Assembly Commission but decided to retain current arrangements. It advocates new procedures to ensure regular and consistent salary reviews.