Luton’s Labour MPs, Gavin Shuker and Kelvin Hopkins, have welcomed an independent review into the pay and pensions of Parliamentarians.
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) will be launching a full consultation in the autumn and the public will have a chance to contribute and help them reach their final position on the renumeration package for Parliamentarians.
A statement on the IPSA website said: “Parliament has now also put an end to the situation whereby MPs decide their own pay and pension arrangements – giving IPSA the powers to decide.
“For the first time an independent body will settle these issues and, in doing so, we will give the public a say.
“As we get our review underway to find a long-term, sustainable solution, we are aware of the strong and often polar views that people have.
“In order to reach our conclusions, it is important that our work is transparent and involves you, the public.” Speaking about the review, Mr Shuker, MP for Luton South, said: “MPs work hard and are well paid.
“But it’s right for this independent body to determine how our representatives are rewarded, not for MPs to decide how much they should be paid, as in the bad old days.” Luton North MP Kelvin Hopkins said: “Being an MP is a privilege and we are never going to starve on our level of pay.
“It is not appropriate that MPs have to vote on their own level of remuneration, which is why I welcome an independent review.” More information about the review can be found on the IPSA’s website:
