MPs against calls for 32 per cent pay rise
SWANSEA'S MPs have rejected calls by some of their colleagues for a 32 per cent pay increase.
A survey revealed that 69 per cent of MPs believed they were "underpaid" following the introduction of a new expenses regime which forces them to provide receipts for all claims.
On average the MPs surveyed said they deserved to be paid £86,250 a year – an increase of almost £21,000.
But most MPs in the Swansea area said they did not support such a high increase, pointing out that their pay is set by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA).
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The watchdog is currently reviewing whether MPs' pay should be changed from its current level of £65,738 a year.
Swansea West MP Geraint Davies said there was "no appetite among the public for MPs to be paid any more".
He added: "No one could argue MPs are in poverty and from a personal point of view my focus is doing my best for Swansea – there's no strong case to change the current level of MPs' pay."
A spokeswoman for Swansea East MP Sian James also said a 32 per cent increase would "not be something Sian would ever consider".
Neath MP Peter Hain said he was "absolutely astonished" at the IPSA survey, adding: "We haven't had an increase in salary for several years and that's absolutely right."
Carmarthen East and Dinefwr MP Jonathan Edwards, meanwhile, said it was "absolutely incredible" that any elected politician would be making the case for "hyper inflation-busting pay increases".
He said: "When you consider the real-terms cuts in the public sector, and the events of this week with cuts to benefits, it's just inconceivable."
The IPSA survey revealed that Conservative MPs were the most likely to think they were underpaid.
On average, Conservatives said their salary should be £96,740, while Liberal Democrats thought the right amount was £78,361, and Labour £77,322.
Several Swansea area MPs also expressed frustration with IPSA's handling of what is a thorny issue.
Carmarthen West and South Pembrokeshire MP Simon Hart said: "I'm quite happy with what I'm paid at the moment, and I'm not asking for more money.
''What I'm asking for is for IPSA to take a view so we can put this issue to bed once and for all."
And Aberavon MP Hywel Francis told the Post: "I've never voted on my own pay and never will, and I'll accept what is given to me: that's the responsibility of IPSA and they should just get on with it."
Tory backbencher Andrew Bridgen also waded into the row by insisting the "vast majority" of the public did not consider £65,000 a year "a lot of money" — even though it is more than double the average wage.
The row erupted as Ipsa published a report on its initial consultation, which ended last month.
Final decisions are due to be taken in the spring, with a new system not taking effect until after the 2015 General Election.
Comments
by Neathboy234
Sunday, January 13 2013, 4:50PM
“Perhaps our MP's should be paid depending on the GDP growth or decline rate. Mind you with a triple downturn on it's way they would be on less than the min wage”
by GretaCarbo
Sunday, January 13 2013, 2:02PM
“Quote: 'The IPSA survey revealed that Conservative MPs were the most likely to think they were underpaid.' Why would that surprise anyone?
I sure that an independent survey would reveal that Tory MPs are the most dispensable.
JohnSW4
Why do you dislike Gauls?
brochadav
I can think of many reasons to cut staffing levels (particularly in the MoD) but some idiot MP appearing on an unreality TV show isn't one of them.
I have seen a less than loaded MP.
The Welsh Assembly doesn't deal with everything in Wales. What about Defence and Pensions, to name but two?”
by brokenbitter
Sunday, January 13 2013, 9:16AM
“Bottom line is that none of the local MPs is backing the idea. As long as they vote the same way then there is no issue (and no story).
How come the Post didn't give the same prominence to the recent debate over welfare reform? To much like serious news?”
by brochadav
Saturday, January 12 2013, 5:21PM
“Ummm, Portal_bot, 69% of them think they are underpaid, was that too hard to understand. And MP Andrew Bridgen thinks the majority of us don't think £65000 a a year a lot of money, how out of touch is he?
Certainly with the Welsh, Irish and Scottish having their own governments and the EU, you'd have to wonder how much extra work an MP does to justify a pay rise of any kind. And with the rest of us being told to accept below inflation rises (if we get one) it is very cheeky to suggest a 32% rise.
I'm with the person who thinks a pay cut is more in line with what is fair. They say you never see a poor bookie, but, have you ever seen a less than loaded MP?
They can even take time off to appear in "I'm a celebrity" We don't need MP's anywhere outside England, we can have special envoys who sit in the regional assemblies. England doesn't need as many MP's either. The size of our governments needs cutting and the civil service needs decimating. It's mostly the CS who run this country anyway!!”
by seasolder
Saturday, January 12 2013, 5:15PM
“As Cameron stated we are all in the hard times together, pretty words. though without any substance. There is no doughting our country is too over populated with politicans, especially in Wales and Swansea I must agree with the comments made by (John Major 2) Swansea must reduced the number of councillors. many which are already well beyond retirement age of 65.”
by Portal_Bot
Saturday, January 12 2013, 3:23PM
“To the hard-of-thinking,
The majority of MPs have rejected the pay rise.
Read the article.”
by johnmajor2
Saturday, January 12 2013, 3:18PM
“All the week we have been listening to cap of the Welfare bill rises of 1%
Then you hear of M.P,s who waded in for a 32% pay rise
It is about time we reduced the House of Parliment & Lords
That also goes for the amount Councilors in Swansea from 72 to 40
This would in all places reduce the national & Local Debt”
by simontaverner
Saturday, January 12 2013, 2:05PM
“It's just pure - GREED, GREED and more GREED - sack them all and see how they would like to live on JSA - they would'nt last 2 minutes in the real world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!”
by Dooyah
Saturday, January 12 2013, 12:41PM
“siarad2
We are not ruled by Brussels.
It seems that you've been listening to morons.
I suggest that you visit the House of Commons website and find out the number of MPs with Degrees, MAs, Master of Science and Doctorates.
I has been pointed out time and again that if you pay MPs nothing you will get millionaires standing and no one else - Feudalism, anyone?”
by GorsseinonJoe
Saturday, January 12 2013, 12:37PM
“If you were asked a question "Do you want a pay rise?" Who, on this earth will say no?
Scargill couldn't get the miners 35% so I can't see MP's getting 32%.”