'MPs in pay grab' Not.
Below Inflation
The Daily Mail has ‘discovered’ a plot by greedy Labour and Tory MPs to unfairly grab more taxpayers’ money.
Although only one Tory MP is quoted in the report, as it’s a Mail story the fault must be Labour’s. They invent a story that Labour MPs fearing ejection at the next election are out to boost pension levels. But pensions values are determined mainly by the years of 11% contributions made.
The true story is less lurid. MPs pay this year has increased by 0.66% - well below both inflation and average pay settlements in the public sector.
. An independent body the Senior Salaries Review Body says MPs' pay should go up from its present £60,675 to about £66,500 over three years. It involves a 2.8 per cent increase in April followed by index-linked rises in the next two years. Over four years it represents a rise below the level of inflation. Certainly the ‘bumper award’ which is the Mail’s description,
I will declare my own interest. Like all MPs I loathe the situation where we must vote for our own salary increases. I have frequently urged that our pay changes be linked to changes in the level of the basic pension. As this has not been accepted, I do not vote for salary increases.
The Police are quoted as critics although their pay has increased in real terms by 9% in a period when MPs pay has decreased. Tory MP John Butterfill uses a similar argument to the police. He said: "We do have an official review body which is supposed to make sure we keep in line with other professions."
Not that that argument will wash. As many public sector groups – not only the Police, are being pushed to accept below inflation increases, MPs will have to settle for similar restraint.
Exberant
The new Euro-star route does not cut the journey time for parliamentarian. Time saved on the train journey is lost now that we have to trek to St Pancras. Waterloo
.
But the station refurbishment is magnificent. A splendidly representational statue of John Betjeman surveys the glorious Victorian anachronism he saved from demolition. The giant ribs of this transport cathedral have been lovingly restored.
An exuberant massive statue of an embracing couple highlights the joy of travel that ends in a loving reunion. There is much about the tedium and trails of travelling that is wisely forgotten.
It been said that the embracing couple bear a striking resemblance to MPs Liam Byrne and Jessica Morden. Can’t see it myself.
My first trip was successful – even though St Pancras lacks the sophisticated extra comfort services that Waterloo Alas.
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