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Councillors Warn Low Pay Threatens Northern Ireland Politics

8/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Councillors in Northern Ireland warned low salaries deter younger people from entering local politics.
The National Association of Councillors said allowances fall short, warned the communities minister that councils will be ineffective unless allowances improve, and noted a recent MLA pay rise created a disparity.
The Department for Communities said Minister Gordon Lyons is reviewing the points after MLAs received a £14,000 rise to £67,200 in April.

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Story summary

Councillors in Northern Ireland warned low salaries deter younger people from entering local politics.
The National Association of Councillors said allowances fall short, warned the communities minister that councils will be ineffective unless allowances improve, and noted a recent MLA pay rise created a disparity.
The Department for Communities said Minister Gordon Lyons is reviewing the points after MLAs received a £14,000 rise to £67,200 in April.