The Independent Remuneration Board has finalised a 2% pay increase for Members of the Legislative Assembly, effective from the first sitting day of the next Assembly mandate in May 2027.

The basic annual salary will rise from £67,200 to £68,544, an increase of £1,344. The board had initially proposed a 3% rise to £69,216 but revised the figure after a public consultation drew more than 270 responses, with over 90% of respondents saying the proposed salary was too high.

Alan Lowry, chairperson of the board, said the feedback led to significant adjustments. The final determination is being presented to the Assembly Commission for publication and implementation.

From 31 March 2028, annual salary adjustments will be linked to changes in median weekly earnings for full-time employees in Northern Ireland, as measured by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency. However, any annual increase will be capped at 2%, down from a previously proposed cap of 3%.

The determination also introduces financial sanctions if an Executive is not formed following an Assembly election or if the offices of First Minister and deputy First Minister become vacant. MLAs' salaries would be reduced by 10% after six weeks without an Executive, with further 10% reductions at 12 and 18 weeks, within the 24-week statutory period under the Northern Ireland Act 1998.

Additional salary payments for MLAs holding certain offices will remain unchanged throughout the 2027-2032 mandate. Where an MLA holds more than one qualifying office, they will receive only the highest applicable additional payment.

Sinn Féin MLA Jemma Dolan said the pay rise was grotesque and that her party opposed it. Mr Lowry said the arrangements reflect inflation and wider pay trends and aim to ensure financial considerations do not discourage people from seeking elected office.