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It is alleged that DUP MLAs are fined if they don't sing off the identical music sheet
The DUP has declined to touch upon claims it fines its politicians in the event that they speak to the media with out permission.
A DUP insider advised the BBC's Nolan Show politicians are compelled to pay as a lot as £1,000 in the event that they break inside protocol on coping with the press.
The DUP stated it operated below a structure and a code of conduct, handed by its govt.
The BBC has seen a letter signed by the DUP's chief govt imposing a high-quality on an elected consultant.
While the politician was requested to pay a £100 high-quality, the BBC understands repeat offenders would possibly face larger prices of £500 or £1,000.
The different important Stormont events all advised the BBC they don't impose comparable penalties.
'Draconian'
The apply of fining elected representatives was "quite unacceptable", stated the previous chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, because it undermines democracy, and is authoritarian and draconian.
"Elected representatives represent their constituents, even though they have been elected on a particular party ticket, they are there to put over their point of view representing those constituents," stated Sir Alastair Graham.
"If they are severely constrained through threats and fines, then that really does undermine their effectiveness," he additionally stated.
Analysis: Mark Devenport, BBC News NI political editor
The newest revelations emphasise the DUP's tight inside self-discipline.
During the early years of the peace course of, Ian Paisley's party chipped away at David Trimble's Ulster Unionists.
The DUP was completely satisfied to see its rivals fracture into totally different camps, however decided to keep away from the identical destiny.
In 2007, because the DUP contemplated sharing energy with Sinn Fein, the BBC reported that party candidates had been being requested to signal publish dated resignation letters and to pay large fines in the event that they stepped out of line.
The Ulster Unionists described the DUP guidelines as bordering on "fascism".
The signature on the letters imposing fines is that of Timothy Johnson.
The DUP press officerwho declined to touch upon the interior administration of the party greater than a decade in the pasthas now risen by way of the ranks to be the party's chief govt.
The letters emphasise that each one DUP "these rules apply to all MPs/MLAs/councillors on political matters that are outside of their narrow constituency business".
Reporters working the Stormont beat won't be shocked on the sanctions going through particular person DUP politicians, which explains among the furtive nature of our interactions.
But over in Westminster our colleagues, used to chatting with Conservative and Labour rebels as they resolve whether or not or to not break ranks, could also be shocked to listen to that such a blatant system of fines is in place inside the ranks of Theresa May's essential parliamentary allies.
It stated the party's chief govt, Timothy Johnston, writes to members when required "from time to time".
But the DUP has not commented on its inside procedures.
"The party reserves the right to decide what program to participate in, and the best mix of platforms to ensure communications with the people of Northern Ireland," it stated in its assertion.
The allegation that the DUP impose fines got here to mild in an interview given by an nameless party consultant to the Nolan Show.
"It was Timothy [Johnson] who sent me the letter," he stated.
"He emailed me after which he despatched me a letter saying: 'You've spoke to the BBC (which I did) and we're fining you £100'.
"There's been a lot of individuals fined. It's fairly a frequent prevalence.
"The press office would report me to Timmy Johnson and Timmy Johnson then makes a decision whether or not to fine the person."
The consultant stated that Mr Johnson acted as "God incarnate" inside the DUP, saying he was "judge, jury, executioner, implementer, enforcer, advisor".
The consultant additionally stated that the DUP is formally boycotting the the Nolan Show resulting from its protection of the RHI scandal and that the party tightly controls what MLAs are permitted to say throughout all media appearances.