Do Trafford MPs want a pay rise? (From Messenger Newspapers)

Trafford MPs comment on poll which suggests MPs think they are underpaid

3:00pm Thursday 24th January 2013 in News

IN the face of a recent anonymous poll in which 69 per cent of MPs said they felt they are underpaid, Messenger has asked Trafford’s parliamentary representatives whether they agreed.

The survey, which was conducted by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA), indicated that most MP’s agreed that a 32 per cent pay increase would be appropriate, which would take their current salary of £65,738 to 86,250.

Kate Green, Labour MP for Stretford and Urmston, said: “I do not support the calls for MPs’ salaries to increase.

“People will be quite rightly aghast that this is even being debated at a time when benefits are being cut, unemployment is high, and people on low salaries are struggling to make ends meet.”

Graham Brady, Conservative MP for Altrincham and Sale West, said: “MPs salaries are now decided by an independent body called IPSA.

“It is my understanding that following a pay freeze they intend to increase Members' salaries by one per cent this year and one per cent next year in line with the public sector.

“IPSA is currently deliberating on what the appropriate rate of pay should be in the next parliament. Members of Parliament have no role in the decision-making process.”

Paul Goggins, Labour MP for Wythenshawe and Sale East. said: “I am very happy with the salary I receive.

“I haven’t been pressing for an increase and I did not contribute to the consultation.

“I am pleased that MPs are no longer involved in setting their own salaries and am content to leave it to IPSA, as an independent body, to look at the evidence and determine what is a fair wage”.