Legislation to increase the fees paid to members of government boards has been passed in the House of Assembly.

Wayne Furbert, the Junior Minister of Finance, said that there were 141 government authorities to which the increases will apply through the passage of the Government Authorities (Fees) Amendment Order 2026.

He said: “These fees have remained static since 2006 for some 20 years.”

The increases apply to board members, chairmen and chairwomen.

Mr Furbert said that the increases are aligned with inflation and the rising cost of living.

The fees for chairmen will move from $100 to $160 and for board members it will increase from $50 to 80.

Mr Furbert said: “The individuals serving on these authorities oversee critical infrastructure, social programmes and economic sectors.

“These contributions are vital to the effective function of Bermuda.

“This adjustment is a modest but significant gesture of respect for the commitment of public service.”

Scott Pearman, a One Bermuda Alliance MP, said that the Opposition supported the increases.

He said they apply to individuals who give “quite a lot of time in service for much less than their time is likely worth”.