A proposal to increase UK Members of Parliament (MPs) salaries has drawn widespread criticism as the nation grapples with a cost-of-living crisis. The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) announced that MPs’ annual salaries will rise from £86,584 to £93,904, a move branded as unjustifiable by campaigners.
How Much Do UK MPs Earn?
Since 2011, IPSA has been responsible for setting MPs’ salaries independently. As of April 2024, MPs were earning £91,346 annually, with the latest proposal recommending a further hike to £93,904.
The 2.8% increase exceeds the current UK inflation rate, raising concerns about fairness, especially when pensioners are losing benefits and farmers are protesting tax hikes.
Public Backlash and Criticism
The salary hike has faced strong opposition from taxpayer groups and activists:
- TaxPayers’ Alliance Campaign: Called the raise a “bitter pill to swallow” as pensioners lose winter fuel payments.
- Silver Voices (Elderly Citizens’ Group): Chief Dennis Reed criticized the decision, saying, “Winter heating for older people takes second place to MPs’ feather-bedded lifestyles.”
- Farmers and Tax Protesters: Many have taken to the streets, protesting the inheritance tax changes affecting their livelihoods.
Government’s Justification
Despite the backlash, IPSA chairman Richard Lloyd defended the proposal, stating that MPs play a vital role in governance and their pay should reflect broader public sector trends.
The final decision is expected next month following a public consultation. However, growing criticism suggests that the proposal may face further scrutiny before approval.
