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   MPs get 1.5 per cent pay rise
The basic salary of a backbench MP is to increase by £1,000 from 1 April, taking their pay from £64,766 to £65,737 a year. The decision was made following the recommendations of the independent Senior Salaries Review Body. In the past MPs voted on their pay, but in 2008 MPs agreed to give up their right to set their own pay, therefore the 1.5 per cent rise will be automatic. Even though the award is below the current 3.7 per cent inflation rate, it is bound to prove unpopular following expenses scandal. Public sector unions are angry, amid commitments made by all three main political parties to impose pay freezes as a means of helping cutting the budget deficit. Downing Street said that ministers would not take the rise. Members of the Cabinet currently receive an extra £79,754 annually, bringing their total salary to £144,520. A spokeswoman said: "The prime minister is clear that we need to strengthen public confidence in the political system and reduce the cost of politics. "That is why paid government ministers will not be accepting the pay rise in MP salaries generated by the annual formula and based on the average pay award across the public sector in the previous year. They will also not be accepting a rise in ministerial salaries this year." From 2012, the new Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority will decide on MP's pay. Source: ePolitix.com Copyright Dod's Parliamentary Communications Ltd
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