MLA pay deal imminent
The Assembly Commission has been meeting this evening and I am told they are being briefed on the Senior Salaries Review Body's recommendation on MLA pay. As I wrote last week, the mood amongst the politicians is against taking any rise. I am also told that the SSRB recommendation is likely to be considerably lower than the 16% increase predicted in the spring.
UPDATE: As some of you may have heard I reported more on the main news website and Good Morning Ulster this morning. The document is due to be released officially tomorrow. Currently an MLA gets just over £43,000. The rise should take them to nearer £44,000. Given the suggested cut in mileage and cut in Office Costs Allowance for those who are also MPs it has been suggested to me that the impact of the report will be "cost neutral". The report is understood to make reference to the number of MLAs (108) and the joint mandates. I am also told it may suggest that there should be another review of MLAs' pay in 2010, and that in the future MLAs should not be asked to vote on their own pay and conditions.
I'm 
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Mark,
Good news. I hope the SSRB takes 16% of the MLA's. Might make them work for a change.
Stormontspy
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Mark
when's the ssrb report being published?
If a increase in pay is accepted what will a ordinary decent MLA earn?
Have u seen a copy of the report and what other recommendations have ssrb made to the Assembly Commission.
Cheers
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Stormontblueflax
NON SEQUITUR IF EVER I HEARD ONE
"If a increase in pay is accepted what will a ordinary decent MLA earn?"
Looking at the serried ranks of charlatans occupying the Assembly's benches I wish you luck in your search for an "ordinary decent MLA".
You'd have more chance of finding the Holy Grail.
Susie
Carryduff
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SusieFlood
Member name chosen was uberrimae fidei, do you always use capitals!!!, so much for welcoming new members to the world of mark's blog.
If mla's dont vote on their own pay and ssrb reports are just accepted in future, by commission this is as good as mlas voting for own pay as to be a member of the commision you also have to be a mla.
Unless, Mark, what are the chances of a commision sub committee composed of non-mlas (officials) dealing with all pay and allowances related matters.
Blueflax
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Blueflax
No slight on your member name was intended. I was simply making the point (not very successfully, obviously) that "ordinary decent MLAs" are a rare commodity.
Susie
Carryduff
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