MPs set to give up right to vote for their own pay rises

Published on Thursday 10 January 2008 20:48

THE House of Commons is set to give up the right to vote through MPs' pay rises – and the move could ensure them a heftier pay package.

Harriet Harman, the Commons leader, suggested yesterday this could be the last year MPs decide their own pay.

This would effectively leave the Senior Salaries Review Board in charge of imposing pay deals – and it often recommends inflation-busting rises.

Next Thursday, MPs are due to vote on recommendations to be published by the independent board.

But Gordon Brown, the Prime Minister, is urging restraint and calling on the Commons to go for a more modest settlement.

Ms Harman said many MPs found voting for their own pay rises unacceptable, adding: "And we know the public don't accept that MPs decide by voting their own pay and pensions.

"We therefore intend to review the procedures for setting MPs' pay and pensions in the future, with a view to examining options that find objective criteria for pay determination within a framework that does not require members to vote."

It is believed the board is recommending a pay rise this year of 2.8 per cent for MPs, but the Prime Minister wants them to settle for 2 per cent, as he is imposing wage freezes on six million public servants and wants to lead by example.

Labour MPs are to be whipped over the lower settlement and David Cameron is instructing senior Tories to back the government line.

However, rebellion is growing among back-benchers, who are reluctant to approve below-inflation pay rises.

MPs earn 60,675 a year, and those who represent constituencies outwith London receive a 22,110 allowance. A pay rise of 2.8 per cent would give them a rise of at least 1,700.