Eilidh Whiteford Slams MP Pay Rise

With thanks to Paul Robertson.

Banff & Buchan MP Eilidh Whiteford has slammed plans to give Members of the UK Parliament a 10% pay increase, saying the plans are “wholly inappropriate.”

The proposed increase comes following the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority’s review of members’ salaries. The consultation closed on June 30, and SNP members have highlighted the unfairness of the raise at a time when most public sector workers are only receiving a 1% increase.

The matter is complicated by the fact that IPSA is independent of parliamentary control, and that MPs cannot refuse the proposed increase.

IPSA has a legal duty to pay the increase into the bank accounts of MPs, but Eilidh Whiteford, who is also the SNP’s Westminster Spokesperson on Social Justice, has today said she has alternative plans for the extra money.

Eilidh said:

“After a budget that will cut the incomes of those in low paid work, and in light of the ongoing public sector pay freeze, an increase in MP’s pay is wholly inappropriate. If it goes ahead, I will be increasing my donations to good causes.”

“Members receive a generous wage already, and how IPSA can justify a 10% increase at this point in time is beyond comprehension.”

Westminster SNP Leader Angus Robertson MP added:

“Now is a time of austerity and huge financial difficulties for far too many people. It is not right for MPs to have a pay-rise in these circumstances.

“As IPSA has gone ahead with these changes, I think it would be right to use the funds to support good causes.”

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