MPs say they are not paid enough (From Malvern Gazette)

MPs say they are not paid enough

2:50pm Thursday 24th January 2013 in News By Tom Edwards

MPs are after a 32 per cent pay rise after saying £65,000 a year is not enough.

A new survey has revealed 69 per cent believe they are underpaid – with the average parliamentarian asking for £86,250.

One in 12 want more than £100,000 and only six per cent reckon their current pay is too much.

The findings, by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) have been attacked by critics, who say they are “out of touch”.

West Worcestershire MP Harriett Baldwin said she took a pay cut to take the job.

She said: “As an MP I am paid a fraction of what I earned in the private sector.

“But I do this job because it is a vocation and a privilege and a chance to give something back to society through public service.”

Worcester MP Robin Walker added: “I do recognise it is an issue the public are very sensitive about, and I believe MPs should not be allowed to vote for big increases in pay, it is something which should be out of our hands and decided by an independent body, which is where IPSA’s work is important.

“Fundamentally, I took a pay cut to become an MP and the concern comes when you might have a brilliant MP, with a family who might be put off doing it – we do need to attract the best people.”

About 100 anonymous MPs took part in the survey because IPSA has been given the task by Prime Minister David Cameron of shaking up pay and pensions following the expenses scandal.

Mr Walker did not complete the survey, while Mrs Baldwin would not confirm either way.

Mid-Worcestershire MP Peter Luff said: “People should look at what other people are paid in positions of similar responsibility – look at head teachers or senior council officers.”

IPSA has already rejected proposals for regional pay, performance-related pay, or to take outside earnings into account.

It has confirmed MP’s salaries will rise by one per cent this year and in 2014, taking it to £67,060 by then.

Their pay has been frozen since 2010. Dave Prentis, Unison general secretary, said: “This poll shows how totally out of touch they are.”