MPs’ pay freeze to continue until 2013

MPs’ pay is to be frozen at £65,738 for 2012/13, it was announced today.

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) also recommended a 1.85 per cent increase in MPs’ pension contributions.

And it said it will consult on a 1 per cent pay rise for the years 2013/14 and 2014/15.

Ipsa chairman Sir Ian Kennedy said: “We have been given responsibility for reviewing and, as necessary, reforming MPs’ pay and pensions.

“We are exploring the broader question of how to reform MPs’ remuneration to make it fair to MPs and taxpayers alike and, crucially, how to make it sustainable.

“In the meantime, we must be mindful of the conditions in the rest of the public sector where pay has remained static and where settlements will see most people pay more into their pensions too.

“While we address the longer-term changes which are needed, I believe it is right that we act in the interim so that MPs’ circumstances more closely reflect those experienced by others.”