22 February 2023 , 11:30
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MPs will be handed a 2.9 percent pay rise from April 1, boosting their overall salary from £84,144 to £86, 584 - but how did readers respond to the news?
According to the Independent Parliament Standards Authority (IPSA), the pay increase was in line with the average public sector workers’ rise in 2022/23.
Wages for MPs are set by the independent watchdog, which was established following the expenses scandal, and makes a calculation based on public sector wages.
The £2,440 salary hike comes amid a wave of strikes by nurses, railway workers, teachers and others over pay disputes as inflation hovers around 10 percent.
Employees working in the public sector have called for inflation-busting pay increases which ministers have claimed the country can’t afford.
Teachers, civil servants and train drivers walk out in biggest strike in decade
The Royal College of Nursing (RCN) is asking for a pay rise of five percent above the rate of inflation as members have had a real terms pay cut of 20 percent since 2010.
Families across the country are also struggling from cost-of-living pressures, as nearly 40 percent of households end the month with no money left.
We asked Mirror readers if they think MPs deserve a pay rise amid public sector strikes, and 98 percent of responses said ‘No’.
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MPs will receive a 2.9 percent pay rise from April 1 (AFP via Getty Images)A total of 1,482 people voted in our poll, and around 1,451 people said they should not receive a salary boost.
This opinion largely dominated the comments section, as one reader wrote: “No, our government and MPs do not deserve the money until they give our precious nurses and doctors a decent pay rise!!”
While another added: “What do they do to earn this money compared to Doctors Nurses Ambulance Crew the list goes on. Do the families of these politicians have heating do they eat well do they have exotic holidays of course they do. We have people living on the streets children hungry put the money towards helping these people.”
“I voted a big fat definite NO! In fact, I believe they should have a pay cut, not an increase. That would reflect that they realise that they’re being overpaid for their roles in Government as an MP. They also should pay for their own food, travel etc, ie, just like the rest of the general working population,” penned a third.
Some people suggested they should be paid no more than the country’s average wage, as this may “give them an insight of the people's lives they are supposed to represent.”
Meanwhile, one percent of respondents voted ‘Yes’ in the poll, and took to the comments to voice their reasoning.
Hundreds of thousands of workers on strike in biggest walkout in 10 years
“Just 2.9% seems very reasonable....compared to what others are asking,” shared one person.
Others said they should be paid more, but only if the money can be spread fairly: “I have long held the belief that ALL public sector employees, including MPs should receive exactly the same percentage pay rise every year.
"If there is no money for nurses/teachers etc then there is no money for MPs. BUT, if there is money to go around, it should be spread fairly.”
Only one percent of respondents selected the option “Other”.
Do you think MPs deserve a pay rise amid public sector strikes? Let us know what you think in the comments sections below.
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