MPs speak on planned pay rise

MPs across the Fylde coast have responded to news that their pay packages are set to increase.
Paul MaynardPaul Maynard
Paul Maynard

MPs will get a 1.8 per cent pay rise for 2018, taking their overall salary from £76,011 to £77,379 from April 1, the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority has announced.

The increase is below the rate of inflation but above the cap placed on the majority of public sector employees.

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Paul Maynard, MP for Blackpool North and 
Cleveleys, said: “As many constituents will be aware I have consistently argued that MPs should not receive pay
increases above the public 
sector pay cap. I continue to donate the post taxation pay increases to local charities that support young people and the elderly.

Cat SmithCat Smith
Cat Smith

“I recognise that I am well paid for the role I perform and all MPs should understand that we are fortunate to have the opportunity to serve the people we represent and that should be more than enough reward.”

MPs rate of pay is decided by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority.

Fylde MP Mark Menzies said: “It’s important it is an independent body that decides the level of pay and not MPs, and I am pleased to see that body keeping those changes in line with public sector rate changes.”

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However, Cat Smith, MP for Fleetwood and Lancaster, said she disagreed with the pay rise.

Mark MenziesMark Menzies
Mark Menzies

She said: “I do not think it is right that MPs are getting this latest pay rise. Yet, because we do not set our own pay and we do not vote on our own pay, I have no say over any changes. I already make regular charitable donations and I will be increasing what I give.”

Gordon Marsden, MP for Blackpool South, said: “We have no ability in Parliament to affect or alter IPSA’s decisions - this year’s was set by them automatically in line with movement in average weekly earnings in the public sector last October. As has also been said, MPs pay increase at 1.8 per cent is below current inflation at 3.1 per cent.

“I hope though that we see the government also honouring pay increases above the cap also independently recommended for police and NHS shortly, as well as for other public sector workers.

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“On a personal level I will continue to keep my use of public money for Parliamentary expenses as prudent and modest as possible, as the records have consistently shown, as well as increasing what I currently give in my charitable donations in the year ahead.”