The body responsible for setting MPs' pay has acknowledged that a majority of the British public believes it sets salaries at an excessively high level.
Public Polling Reveals Widespread Discontent
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) commissioned a YouGov survey in August last year, which found that 58 per cent of respondents considered the pay and funding for Members of Parliament to be either 'a little too high' or 'far too high'. In contrast, less than a quarter (24 per cent) thought the remuneration was about right.
This sentiment exists against the backdrop of MPs currently receiving a basic annual salary of £93,904 for their parliamentary duties. This figure is more than double the UK's average full-time salary, which stands at approximately £39,000.
The 'Citizens' Forum' and a Shift in Opinion
IPSA conducted a 'listening exercise' which included establishing a forum of 23 members of the public to deliberate on MPs' pay and funding. The participants undertook 18 hours of 'learning and deliberation', hearing from expert speakers.
Interestingly, the watchdog reported a significant shift in opinion after this process. While initial polling showed majority disapproval, 67 per cent of forum members concluded that MPs' pay was 'about right' upon completion. IPSA stated this change reflected a 'deeper understanding of the role's demands and complexities'.
Recommendations Accepted and Rejected
The forum produced a series of recommendations across six key areas. IPSA has accepted 13 of these proposals, with a further 11 under consideration for the medium or long term. One recommendation was outright rejected.
Several suggestions were deemed outside IPSA's remit. These included a call to tie MPs' pay to minimum performance standards, with IPSA noting accountability primarily comes through elections. The watchdog also declined to cap hours MPs devote to second jobs, stating it awaited guidance from the Commons' Modernisation Committee.
However, IPSA accepted ideas for extra training for MPs' staff, consulting on a ring-fenced 'staff development budget'. It rejected a proposal to reduce the baseline pay of MPs who become ministers, arguing ministerial pay is a government matter.
Despite the public's critical view revealed in the poll, IPSA indicated it has no plans to cut MPs' salaries, emphasising its role in providing independent oversight and raising awareness of an MP's responsibilities.
