MPs’ Pay

Just so that my constituents know my position on MPs pay and allowances.

I do not believe MPs should determine how much they are paid or what allowances they can claim. For that reason all the time I have been in Parliament since I was elected 11 years ago I have refused to vote on MPs pay or allowance issues. It is a matter of principle for me.

The salary I am paid is published by Parliament each year. I live in my constituency and I do not claim the allowance for a second home in London or any of the allowances associated with that for the simple reason that, thank goodness, I can come home every night to my family and my constituency.

The allowance to pay for my office in Hayes covers the salaries to my staff and the cost of the rent, rates, heating, telephones, computers and postage. This budget is published every year by Parliament. I do not employ any relatives and my staff are paid trade union rates as advised by Parliament.

I have to say that the staff I have are extremely dedicated and work tremendously hard and way beyond their hours to help me do my job and to assist the constituents I represent. I want to pay tribute to them for all their hard work on behalf of our community.

I believe that the decision on MPs pay and allowances should now be taken out the hands of Parliament and become the responsibility of an independent body which takes its decisions on the basis of an objective judgement of what is needed.

Only in this way will there be any chance of restoring any credibility to the standing on MPs on this matter.

submitted by John on 04 Jul 2008 at 20:08