Member News
By Ned Simons - 20th January 2011
MPs will be asked to forgo a recommended 1 per cent pay rise in light of the government's decision to freeze public sector pay.
In 2008 the House of Commons voted to link MPs pay to the average pay of a selected group of public sector workers in the previous year.
Any annual increase is decided upon by the independent Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB) and it has determined that MPs are due a 1 per cent pay rise this year.
In a statement issued this morning the leader of the House of Commons Sir George Young said a motion would be brought before the Commons to stop MPs receiving a pay rise.
"The government supports the independent determination of Members' remuneration," he said.
"However, in light of the decision to impose a two-year pay freeze on all public sector workers earning more than £21,000 per annum, a motion will be brought forward to invite the House to rescind the 2008 resolution, so that the one per cent pay increase will not take effect.
But speaking in the Commons this afternoon Conservative Mark Field said MPs should abide by the independent pay review come "rain or shine".
Sir George said it would be a "matter for the House" to decide whether to go ahead with the 1 per cent pay increase and called on MPs to "exercise restraint".
He said the coalition had made its position on public sector pay "very clear" and indicated it would not look good for MPs to accept a pay rise while those earning over £21,000 would see their pay frozen.
"MPs earn substantially more than £21,000 and I believe the House will want to reflect very carefully before it takes a 1 per cent pay increase," he said.
Many MPs decided to reject the last pay rise they were offered in the wake of the parliamentary expenses scandal. If approved the government's motion would stop all MPs from receiving the latest recommended increase.
MPs currently receive a salary of £65,738, with ministers receiving an additional salary for their government role.
Responsibility for MPs pay and pensions is due to be handed to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority which currently administers the parliamentary expenses regime.
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