01.07.13
Cameron could back MP pay rise if perks cut
The Prime Minister could sanction a pay rise for MPs in return for cuts to other perks, he has stated.
His comments come in response to reports that the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) plans to recommend a pay rise as high as £10,000.
Labour leader Ed Miliband has stated he would limit any pay rise to 1% (£660) to keep in line with other public sector workers, and Nick Clegg has also urged restraint.
Many MPs are nervous about a potential public backlash if they are seen to be benefiting while the rest of the country struggles. Parliament used to set its own pay, but that responsibility was taken over by Ipsa following the expenses scandal in 2009.
Cameron said: “Our views – Ipsa asked our views and we gave our views – which were very much reflecting the current pay restraint. But Ipsa is independent, it has to make its recommendation. I don't see any sense on commenting on its recommendation until we know what it is.
“Whatever Ipsa recommends we can't see the cost of politics or Westminster going up. We should see the cost of Westminster go down. I famously had a plan for reducing the House of Commons, which was nearly there … Anything would be unthinkable unless the cost of politics was frozen and cut, so I'll wait and see what Ipsa have to say. What I said to Ipsa was that restraint is necessary.”
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