MPs should get more – but not yet
This is not going to be a popular statement, but MPs probably are slightly underpaid. Yes, they receive a lot more than the national average – £65,738 to be exact. However, they generally work long hours in a high pressure environment under intense scrutiny. Many public and private sector staff with similar levels of responsibility are paid a great deal more.
And it should be remembered that they spend much of their working lives in London where the cost of living is higher.
However, the time for any salary increase is not now, in the middle of an economic slump, when public sector wages and benefit payments are being capped. Nor must it happen until the economy has improved and times are less austere.
We should point out at this stage that there are no plans for an immediate salary hike. The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) proposes that MPs' wages should rise by one per cent this year and the same again in 2014 – in line with public sector pay.
SUNDAY OPEN BUFFET EAT AS MUCH AS U CAN £6.99PP & A LA CARTE...
Leicester's ONLY Lebanese Cuisine - Cedars Bar & Restaurant 46/48 Church Gate Leicester LE1 4AJ
View detailsCome & Try our Delicious Menu with an Amazing 15% off all Food Bills on a la carte menu only
Terms: Lebanese & Mediterenian Menu With An Amazing 15% Off Your Food Bills on a la carte menu only
Contact: 0116 2169184
Valid until: Sunday, May 26 2013
And the majority of the 100 MPs who took part in an anonymous survey carried out as part of the IPSA report, agreed that this was the correct level of increase. This suggests that most of them agree now is not the right time for a big rise.
What is fuelling public anger is that this same survey also showed many MPs who were questioned felt that their salaries should ultimately be a lot higher. The average figure from all the responses came out at £86,250.
It is difficult to imagine that an increase which would amount to 31 per cent is ever going to be acceptable to the public whatever the economic circumstances.
IPSA's report says that the next stage is to come up with a remuneration package for MPs which "rewards them adequately".
That package will be the subject of further consultation "as public confidence in the new system is vital". It would probably be implemented after the next general election in 2015.
As we said at the outset of this column, there is a case for a reasonable step up in pay. However, it should not happen until the economy improves and, even then, it should not be so much as to be widely perceived as excessive.
That is a difficult balancing act to achieve but it is important to do so if the new system is to stand any chance of winning public confidence.
Comments
by LewisC109
Saturday, January 12 2013, 10:54PM
“pay an mp for what hes worth that would cut the defecit as they not worth much so they would have to pay us”
by Peter20101
Saturday, January 12 2013, 7:50AM
“I think that for clarity, full details need to be provided about what MP's are actually paid, due to the allowances system, as it is substantially higher than the basic £65k salary.
Allowances are the norm for the majority, for items which the normal workforce in the UK would never be allowed to be provided money for. Additionally, clarity on how many of these are tax free and not classed as a benefit in kind, needs to be presented.
Once then there is a clear image of the actual payments made to MP's a debate can take place on any potential change.
If there was a single salary, with no other allowances at all (other than justifiable travel / accommodation whilst travelling for example), as would be the case with other public sector roles, then a realistic decision could be reviewed.
To have an increase of the level suggested and keeping the hidden, tax free, allowance scheme, subsidised bar/restaurants etc., just doesn't stack up.”