Sir Mike Penning, Member of Parliament for Hemel Hempstead, has tabled a motion in the House of Commons urging the Government not to bring in a public sector pay freeze as is widely rumoured in the press but, if it does, then to ensure that MPs are included in that pay freeze.
The full text of the Early Day Motion no. 1174 reads:
Public sector pay freeze and hon. Members pay rise
That this House calls on the Government not to bring in a public sector pay freeze; notes that the public sector, including our armed forces, has done the country proud during the covid-19 pandemic crisis and all too often has gone beyond the call of duty and put their lives at risk; and further notes that if such a pay freeze is contemplated hon. Members should be included in such a freeze as they are public sector employees.
Sir Mike said: “Like many local people I have read speculation in the press that the Chancellor is considering a public sector pay freeze. I totally believe that now is not the time for this. So many of our public sector workers have gone above and beyond during this pandemic with many putting their lives at risk in order to keep our country moving. It would be a kick in the teeth to introduce a pay freeze now.
“On top of that, for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority to suggest that MPs should get an above inflation pay rise of 4.1% is crass beyond belief. Quite simply, they are totally out of step with MPs’ views on this and need to get with the programme.”
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) in an independent body that sets the level of MPs’ salaries and is responsible for paying their salaries and expenses. MPs do not vote on their pay rises as was the case years ago.
Sir Mike added: “I’ve already committed to paying any pay rise, after tax, to charity. Having tried previously, it is apparently impossible not to accept the pay rise, so the only option is to give the extra to charity – which is what a large number of MPs have promised to do.”