An Ulster Unionist Party spokesperson said:
“Trevor Reaney`s report accurately reflects the situation and the shift in workload of MLAs who are no longer able to legislate due to the continuing political stalemate. The comparative reduction in salary is reflective of that shift.
“The report recognises the importance and ongoing delivery of constituency work. We are however concerned about the proposal to cut office expenses available to pay staff. Through no fault of their own they are going to suffer due to Sinn Fein and the DUP`s inability to form a stable government.
“However the political situation has become increasingly untenable. The DUP and Sinn Fein have been given 9 months to come and go as they please, in private talks, with no-one else involved and guess what – no results. It`s time for the Secretary of State to take the bull by the horns and put a deadline on the present format of the so called ‘talks process’.
“And if it doesn`t deliver, he needs to make clear that he will move decisively to ensure that Northern Ireland has some form of effective government. He needs to seriously consider options such as a voluntary coalition. No party should be allowed to hold Northern Ireland and its people to ransom with intransigent ideology. If they keep getting away with it, they`ll keep doing it. The Secretary of State has responsibility to take action.”