Overview

This bill grants the UK Secretary of State the power to determine the salaries and benefits for Northern Ireland Assembly Members during periods when the Northern Ireland Executive is not functioning. This ensures that Assembly Members receive appropriate remuneration even during periods of political instability.

Description

The Northern Ireland Assembly Members (Pay) Bill provides the Secretary of State with the authority to set salaries and allowances for Northern Ireland Assembly Members during periods without a functioning Executive. This power covers both salaries (under Section 47 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998) and allowances or gratuities upon ceasing to be a member (under Section 48 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998). The Secretary of State's power to make these determinations ends when all Ministerial offices are filled again. Any determination must be in writing, sent to the Northern Ireland Assembly Commission, and published. The bill also clarifies how these determinations relate to existing pension arrangements and previous decisions made under the Assembly Members (Independent Financial Review and Standards) Act (Northern Ireland) 2011. The bill applies to all of the UK and will come into force immediately after passing.

Government Spending

The bill itself doesn't specify the amount of government spending. The actual cost will depend on the Secretary of State's determination of salaries and allowances for Northern Ireland Assembly Members during periods without an Executive. Therefore, the impact on government spending is unknown until those determinations are made.

Groups Affected

• Northern Ireland Assembly Members: Directly affected as their salaries and benefits during periods without an Executive will be determined by the Secretary of State.
• UK Government: Responsible for funding the salaries and allowances as determined, therefore impacting the government's budget.
• Northern Ireland Assembly Commission: Responsible for publishing the Secretary of State's determinations.
• Taxpayers: Ultimately bear the cost of the salaries and allowances.

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