10/10/2011
Ulster Politicians Face 'Multi-Jobbing' Cuts
Money matters are in focus for politicians in Northern Ireland today as a bid to force local councillors who are also MPs, MLAs or members of the House of Lords to have allowances cut emerges.
The Stormont Environment Minister, Alex Attwood, has launched a consultation on whether to reduce allowances by two thirds, for councillors who also serve as Westminster MPs, Stormont MLAs or members of the House of Lords.
At present a councillor's basic allowance is £9,738. If they are also an MP or MLA or member of the House of Lords, this will reduce to £3,246.
Some councillors also receive a special responsibility allowance, although each council sets these amounts paid.
The SDLP MLA said the consultation period closes on the 16 December and added: "I believe that elected representatives - whether in councils, the Assembly or at Westminster - should receive reasonable allowances for performing their civic duty.
"Political life, as with so many jobs, is demanding and carries risk, and the commitment from our local councillors is considerable.
"Indeed, I will create a review of councillors' allowances in terms of [Review of Public Administration] RPA going forward," he added.
"However, there is still an issue about councillors who hold multiple mandates receiving their full council, Assembly or even Westminster entitlements.
"In my opinion this needs to be adjusted. I believe it is also the opinion of the majority of taxpayers.
"That is why I am consulting on reducing the allowances of people in this position by two thirds while still recognising the valuable role played by our elected representatives," he said.
"Indeed to be thorough and hear all opinions, I am asking people to advise if there should be no change, although clearly this is not where I believe the weight of argument or evidence is," added Minister Attwood.
(BMcC/CD)
The Stormont Environment Minister, Alex Attwood, has launched a consultation on whether to reduce allowances by two thirds, for councillors who also serve as Westminster MPs, Stormont MLAs or members of the House of Lords.
At present a councillor's basic allowance is £9,738. If they are also an MP or MLA or member of the House of Lords, this will reduce to £3,246.
Some councillors also receive a special responsibility allowance, although each council sets these amounts paid.
The SDLP MLA said the consultation period closes on the 16 December and added: "I believe that elected representatives - whether in councils, the Assembly or at Westminster - should receive reasonable allowances for performing their civic duty.
"Political life, as with so many jobs, is demanding and carries risk, and the commitment from our local councillors is considerable.
"Indeed, I will create a review of councillors' allowances in terms of [Review of Public Administration] RPA going forward," he added.
"However, there is still an issue about councillors who hold multiple mandates receiving their full council, Assembly or even Westminster entitlements.
"In my opinion this needs to be adjusted. I believe it is also the opinion of the majority of taxpayers.
"That is why I am consulting on reducing the allowances of people in this position by two thirds while still recognising the valuable role played by our elected representatives," he said.
"Indeed to be thorough and hear all opinions, I am asking people to advise if there should be no change, although clearly this is not where I believe the weight of argument or evidence is," added Minister Attwood.
(BMcC/CD)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.