A debate over a 3% pay rise for FIG employees led to MLA Gavin Short voting against the Appropriation Bill in Wednesday’s budget.

The rise, along with a one off payment for those on lower salary bands was announced during the budget sitting with the aim to help alleviate the cost of living.

However, the pay award was a point of contention amongst members of the Legislative Assembly, who argued that long-term, there could be a negative impact.