Commons debate freezing MPs' salaries
22 March 2011 (updated on 22 March 2011)
Sir George Young, Leader of the House of Commons, moved a motion in the House of Commons on Monday 21 March on the subject of MPs' salaries
MPs' salaries
The House of Commons agreed on 3 July 2008 that the Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB), which provides independent advice to the Prime Minister and other Ministers on remuneration of public office holders, be responsible for calculating annual percentage increases in uprating MPs' salaries.
The Chairman of the Senior Salaries Review Body wrote to the Commons Speaker on 19 January 2011 to inform him of the determination of the increase in MPs' salaries, calculated by the SSRB as a 1 per cent salary increase, that should take effect from 1 April 2011.
The motion moved by the Leader of the House of Commons on Monday 21 March made provision for MPs' salaries and those of chairs of select and general committees to be frozen as at the salary level on 31 March 2011.
The House of Commons agreed to the motion without a vote and will freeze MPs salaries at £65,738.
House of Commons Library analysis
The House of Commons Library regularly produce briefing notes which inform MPs about key issues. The Library has produced a briefing paper on MPs' pay which also contains information about the letter sent by the Chairmen of the Senior Salaries Review Body.
Motion on Members' Salaries
That the following provision shall be made with respect to the salaries of Members of this House-
1. For the period beginning with 1 April 2011 and ending with the relevant day, the rates of-
- (a) Members' salaries, and
- (b) additional salaries payable to Members under Resolutions of this House in respect of service as chairs of select or general committees, shall be the same as those salaries as at 31 March 2011.
2. In paragraph (1) the "relevant day" means-
- (a) the day before the day on which the first determination of Members' salaries by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority comes into effect, or
- (b) 31 March 2013, whichever is the earlier.
3. Paragraphs (9), (10) and (12)(b) of the Resolution of 3 July 2008 (Members' Salaries (No. 2) (Money)) cease to have effect on the day this Resolution is passed.
4. The remaining provisions of that Resolution cease to have effect on 1 April 2011.