How much should MPs be paid? 1 July 2013 at 5:33PM in MoneySaving polls 69 replies 6K views

spurs505

The issue isn't so much about how much MPs actually earn....more the fact that they are looking at a large INCREASE at a time when the same MPs are insisting on a pay freeze/miniscule increase for all other public sector workers.
If austerity really applies equally to everyone, then they should be leading by example on this. Instead, any MP backing the raise is opening themselves to ridicule

oaprut

We are always being told we have to pay high wages to get 'the best'. The evidence is, obviously, that this is not true. We have only to look at the recent appalling behavior from our MPs with the expenses fiddling that has been going. All paid by us, most of whom are earning a fraction of MPs basic. There is always a long line of people wanting to be an MP whenever there is a vacancy whereas there is always a great shortage of carers. Seems obvious to me that we need to pay carers more and MPs less. This is surely a market led opportunity that we should grab? Don't Conservatives believe that the market should lead?
I do wonder just what MPs do. We are told they are very busy on our behalf yet they still seem to have plenty of time for extra work. A part time job should receive a part time salary.
Of all the professions listed in this poll the one that we would miss the least is politician. Belgium managed for months without a sitting government.

kkgree1

I voted for 75k, mainly because I believe this is the equivalent salary of a good headteacher. In Cambridgeshire, there are very few headteachers who earn less than this. There was a poll conducted by the local paper recently and most earn 75 - 80k with some academy heads earning 100k plus.
I personally think MPs do a good job and we should reward them appropriately. If we were to pay them a higher salary though, I think conditions should come with it e.g. No other jobs alongside it!

J_the_Realist

Surely, running & governing the country, is the most important role there is. The most talented people are needed to run the country.
If the country is governed wel, it will prosper in the long term.
The best UK economists, should be in charge of the the exchequer. Defence should be looked after by a person with some militery experience, education with a top academic, and so on. Not ex barristers, QC's etc
To get the best people for the job, you will have to pay the best wages, unless they are already wealthy, such as Vince Cable

Mozette

patchwork_cat wrote: »

Well then Jimmy I'll say it. I would not do the job they are expected to do for £66K.

£66,000 is pocket money - they don't pay the usual expenses out of that like other people.

oaprut wrote: »

We are always being told we have to pay high wages to get 'the best'. The evidence is, obviously, that this is not true. We have only to look at the recent appalling behavior from our MPs with the expenses fiddling that has been going. All paid by us, most of whom are earning a fraction of MPs basic. There is always a long line of people wanting to be an MP whenever there is a vacancy whereas there is always a great shortage of carers. Seems obvious to me that we need to pay carers more and MPs less. This is surely a market led opportunity that we should grab? Don't Conservatives believe that the market should lead?
I do wonder just what MPs do. We are told they are very busy on our behalf yet they still seem to have plenty of time for extra work. A part time job should receive a part time salary.
Of all the professions listed in this poll the one that we would miss the least is politician. Belgium managed for months without a sitting government.

Yeah, we had to pay top bankers massive salaries so we got the best; that turned out well...

spurs505

Surely, running and governing the country should include leading by example?? Demand pay freezes on others? Then insist on it for yourself also.
Obviously this rise has been recommended by an independent body... But any true "leader" would condemn the rise publicly and perhaps donate any extra money "forced" on them to a worthy cause

penrhyn

Independent body my !!!!.
A QC, ex NHS exec and the odd MP.

http://parliamentarystandards.org.uk/About%20Us/Pages/Board-members-and-chief-executive.aspx

JimmyTheWig

patchwork_cat wrote: »

Well then Jimmy I'll say it. I would not do the job they are expected to do for £66K.

Ok, I'll rephrase...

I've only ever heard one person say that they don't want to be an MP because the pay is too low.


Seriously, though, patchwork cat - are you really saying you wouldn't do the job because the money is too low?
Or is it that it isn't a job that you would want to do?

Old_Wrinkly

J_the_Realist wrote: »

Surely, running & governing the country, is the most important role there is.

Backbench MPs do not run/govern the country.
That is the (supposed) job of the Government.
Any MP appointed to the Government will receive an extra salary for that in addition to the MP's pay.

DKLS

I would suggest circa 100-150k with the vain hope that it attracted some talent but put in restrictions on private members interests.