MPs have been discussing whether to accept an inflation-busting 11% pay rise.
Most people working in the public sector have seen a freeze on any annual rises and in the private sector, annual increases as the norm have been replaced by a regimes that involve internships, zero hours contracts and short term contracts.
Senior politicians have criticised the recommendation by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) in a concerted damage limitation exercise with the electorate.
Amongst the many MPs who have made public statements about the issue is Greg Barker, Minister of State for Energy and Climate Change and the parliamentary representative for Bexhill and Battle.
Today (December 10) the local MP said;
“I believe it is totally inappropriate at a time of considerable austerity and constraint to put forward a proposal along these lines. I believe the cost of politics should go down and that Parliament should set an example on the question of restraint and I will not therefore be taking the pay rise proposed if I am re-elected in 2015.”
Gregory Barker, MP, Bexhill & Battle
