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A consultant who previously led a statutory review of Westminster MPs’ pay has been appointed to assess the salaries of Jersey’s States Members.
The States Assembly agreed a new system for setting States Members’ pay in April 2022, and a recruitment panel was established to appoint an independent person to carry out of a review of the amount of remuneration and allowances payable to elected politicians.
Four candidates applied to the role and the panel were unanimous in endorsing Jennifer Long.
A report announcing her appointment said: "Jennifer is an independent consultant based in the UK but working in many jurisdictions internationally.
"She has first-hand experience as a clerk in two parliaments and also led the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority's most recent statutory review of Westminster MP's pay, informed by dialogue with the devolved parliaments.
"She is therefore familiar with the special challenges of determining and communicating the remuneration of parliamentarians, and with the kinds of data and techniques which can help arrive at an appropriate approach."
The current Assembly of States Members are each paid £50,000 per annum.
States Members are also officially self-employed, so they must pay both employees and employers’ Social Security contributions.
Like all self-employed, they are entitled to compensation for tax paid on the employers’ side, which equates to around £150 a month.
States Members may claim income tax relief for office and similar personal expenses incurred in discharging their role as a Member; by convention, the Comptroller of Taxes automatically accepts such claims up to £3,650 a year.
Members may apply for a free permit, enabling them to park in any States public car park, for their sole use if on official duties.
Ms Long will be required to produce a report within 12 months of her appointment.
This will include the amount of remuneration payable to elected States Members, the date of when the remuneration level is to take effect and an explanation of why the amount specified, and the date specified are appropriate. The reviewer's report should also determine any other matters relating to remuneration and allowances of elected members as required.
ELECTION EXPLAINER: How much States Members will be paid, win or lose
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