£9 million paid to MLA salaries since Stormont collapse

The Northern Ireland Assembly was suspended 18 months ago.

Taxpayers in Northern Ireland have paid over £9 million to MLA salaries since Stormont collapsed 18 months ago.

That figure was revealed in Wednesday’s Northern Ireland Affairs Committee in which Secretary of State, Karen Bradley, was pressed on why she still has not decided if MLA pay will be cut.

The questioning comes three months after Ms Bradley was minded to reduce their salaries.

Secretary of State says she's aware of how angry the public are but mindful that MLAs still work for their constituents. Credit: NI Affairs Committee

Ms Bradley said she was extraordinarily aware of how angry the public are about the full salaries being paid while Stormont does not function, but mindful that MLAs still work for their constituents.

Lady Hermon said the people of Northern Ireland would not be persuaded by her position on the matter.

When pressed on which parties objected to cutting MLA pay, Ms Bradley said it would not be appropriate to name parties or individuals.

It was revealed that it had cost the public £6.3 million in the last year to pay MLAs, excluding office costs.

The Northern Ireland Assembly has been suspended for 18 months, taking the total figure to over £9 million.