Commentary on Sections New section 47A- Resolutions about reduction of remuneration
31.The Assembly, if satisfied that either of the limbs of the test set out at paragraph 1616 above is met, may resolve to reduce in whole or part, for a specified time, a Minister or junior Minister’s salary (new section 47A(1)). Similar provision is made in relation to the salaries of all members of an Assembly political party (new section 47A(2)). In either case, the period for which salary is reduced must not exceed 12 months (new section 47C(1)). The Assembly may extend the period for which remuneration is reduced, but the amount by which the period is extended on any occasion may not exceed twelve months (new section 47A(3) and 47C(2)).
32.The same procedural safeguards apply as in the case of an exclusion resolution (see paragraph 1515 above) (new section 47A(6) and (9)).