10 Dec 2018

Solomon's MPs to receive 'terminal grants' next week

6:07 pm on 10 December 2018

Solomon Islands MPs are set to receive controversial tax-free $US50,000 payments next week.

The outgoing permanent secretary of Finance and Treasury, Harry Kuma, told the Solomons Business Magazine that the so-called 'terminal grants' were currently being finalised.

MPs will receive the money just before parliament dissolves on December 17.

The grants are awarded to MPs who complete one term in parliament by the Public Entitlements Commission.

There has been public outcry over the grants and opposition from organisations like Transparency International.

Transparency said the payments should not be made when the country's finances are in a bad state and that they should be given after next year's election and not before.

Around $US2.5m is needed to cover the payments.

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