Pay Freeze for our top Officials

Rick62

MPs salaries are not an issue, except probably too low. There is an issue with their benefits and even more so with their taking other jobs, how you balance this with the time as an MP and when other jobs goes from being for their skill to their (political) influence.

The big issue right now is staff in banks. I don't see why I should pay (through tax payer bailouts) vast salaries and bonuses to these guys. They have failed, they should get no bonus and their salaries all need reviewing (downwards). The idea that we need the same idiots that got us in the mess to get us out is ludicrous in its total lack of logic.

What the banks should be doing is, first no bonuses currently, they would be bust otherwise, lucky to have a job. Then they should all be reapplying for their jobs, with reasonable salaries (i.e. comparable with similar grade managers in the accounting and lawyer firms probably) with properly constructed long term incentive schemes.

The idea that the best ones will leave if they don't get their current bonus is nonsense, no other company is going to compensate them by paying the past 'expected' bonus.

macaque_2

wigglebeena wrote: »

I wouldn't like to see it restricted at all. Goodbye democracy, hello ruling elite. It'd be goodbye to the vote for non-property owners as the next backward step.

I completely agree your sentiment. My concern is that we have ended up with something that is not too different to the Old chinese Imperial Court. The political parties have filled up with career politicians and the party leadership control them like puppets. These MPs are dependent on the party for their status, income and careers. If they tow the line, they are guaranteed a prosperous political career. Even if they lose their seat, obedient MPs always have the house of Lords or more than 1000 quangos to find a safe haven. We now have hundreds of Labour back benchers dutifully falling in line with the leadership even when the issue at hand is contrary to their beliefs, principles and the party manifesto. This is no good at all. We need big people and independant people back in politics again.

I have a sort of feeling that the first past the post electoral system is part of the problem.

wigglebeena

I don't think anything that involves telling a council house kid with holes in her socks that she is automatically excluded from political power should be part of the answer to the problem.

And I don't think her origins or bank account make her 'small'. Barack Obama had relatively modest origins.

As has been suggested previously, the content of one's character should be the primary criterion by which one is judged.

Trollfever

I don't see why I should pay (through tax payer bailouts) vast salaries and bonuses to these guys.

Agreed............

.

StevieJ

macaque wrote: »

MPs deserve higher salaries than they get. However, I would prefer to see the job restricted to older people or those with independant means. These groups are more likely to have independant minds.

Too many government MPs are now dependant on their MPs salaries. When the government orders these career drones to vote against their consiences or against the party manifesto, they dutifully obey. The process also throws up career leaders like Mandelson and Hain. I deeply object to people of their ilk running the country.

If we want to restore the reputation of democracy, we have to cut back on career politicians. Labour is desperately short of Tam Dalyells and Denis skinners.

Perhaps we could revert to the queen, privy council, and the House of Lords
Oh no, the queen receives a wage as well :rolleyes:

StevieJ

NewbieMoneySaver** wrote: »

I have been saying this for years. I think I should be PM.

Why has it only taken minutes for the US president to freeze pay for his top officials under the current climate and I have been saying this all along. Even without the credit crunch.

Our MP's are on a unthinkable wage and also have benefits that allow them to have two houses and also claim for the expenses for the traveling back and forth them both.

Why is this allowed under the current climate and why can we not put a stop to.

Simple, they vote for their own pay rise :beer:

macaque_2

StevieJ wrote: »

Perhaps we could revert to the queen, privy council, and the House of Lords
Oh no, the queen receives a wage as well :rolleyes:

Or how about retired teachers, bricklayers, doctors, businessmen and farmers.

Alternatively this:

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/diane_abbott/hackney_north_and_stoke_newington

Who is Diane Abbott really working for?

NewbieMoneySaver**

I vote for myself to have a pay rise too

StevieJ

macaque wrote: »

Or how about retired teachers, bricklayers, doctors, businessmen and farmers.

Alternatively this:

http://www.theyworkforyou.com/mp/diane_abbott/hackney_north_and_stoke_newington

Who is Diane Abbott really working for?

Obviously they wouldn't have a VI, please think it through :rotfl:

macaque_2

StevieJ wrote: »

Obviously they wouldn't have a VI, please think it through

I think you have missed the point. Vested interests can never be eliminated. It would be desirable however to have MPs who are less beholden on their leadership for the food on their tables.