ANGER erupted tonight over an inflation-busting pay rise for MPs who will now earn more than £90,000.
Westminster’s salary watchdog yesterday signed off the £4,762 hike for politicians.
MARIA UNGER/UK PARLIAMENT/UNPIXSMPs will get a £4,762 salary hike from April[/caption]
It will lift their pay from £86,584 to £91,346 in April – a 5.5 per cent increase despite inflation only running at 4 per cent.
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority insisted their decision “recognises the vital role” of MPs.
But it sparked a backlash from critics furious that taxpayers were footing bulging MPs’ pay packets while many ordinary families struggled.
John O’Connell, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “Taxpayers will be aghast at this inflation-busting pay rise for politicians.
“While households struggle to stay above water due to frozen thresholds, MPs are set to benefit further from the linking of their salaries to public sector pay.
“Elected officials should show restraint and only accept rises when conditions allow.”
Rishi Sunak’s spokesman did not say whether the multi-millionaire PM would be refusing his pay increase.
He added: “For the government’s part, I would point out ministers are already voluntarily waiving part of their ministerial salary, forgoing any pay increase in their salaries which means ministers in the Commons have not increased their salary since 2010.”
Chair of IPSA Richard Lloyd said: “Serving as an MP should not be reserved to those wealthy enough to fund it themselves.
“We believe our decision recognises the vital role MPs play in our democracy and considers the continued economic challenges facing the country.
“We are committed to supporting a Parliament that reflects our society, where people from all walks of life can decide to become MPs.”
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