Pay Increases for MPs
WAGES for MPs look poised to rise by more than £6,000 a year.
Commons expenses watchdog the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) has launched a public consultation on proposals to increase their pay to £74,000 in 2015.
MPs currently receive just over £66,000, but that was already due to rise to £67,000 next April, with a further one per cent rise the following year, meaning IPSA’s recommendation amounts to a total rise of just over nine per cent.
Bolton West MP Julie Hilling said: “I think it’s right that they’re reviewing pay and conditions and that there’s going to be a public consultation, but I do think any decision should reflect what’s happening with the rest of the public sector.”
The move would be accompanied by a reduction in perks and expenses as well as a downgraded pension plan, with the current final-salary scheme being replaced with one based on career average earnings.
Opponents have hit out at the move in light of the Government’s current austerity agenda and with public sector workers having had their pay rises capped at one per cent.
IPSA was set up following 2009’s expenses scandal to independently scrutinise MPs’ finances. Its proposals will not need the approval of Parliament, meaning the increase could take effect by next autumn
Bolton South East’s Yasmin Qureshi said: “I think it’s right and proper that the IPSA measures will go out for a public consultation.”
David Crausby, who represents Bolton North East, said: “This is not the appropriate time to be increasing MPs’ pay while people on benefits and low pay are suffering.”
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