Maldon district: Maldon MP understands need for pay freeze extension (From Gazette)

Maldon district: Maldon MP understands need for pay freeze extension

5:08pm Monday 13th February 2012 in Maldon

MALDON MP John Whittingdale says he fully understands the decision to extend a pay freeze for MPs.

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, which took control of MPs’ pay and pensions in October, says they should share the burden of pay restraint.

A pay freeze was voted through in the House of Commons last year, and will now be extended to 2012/13.

It means MPs earnings will remain at £65,738 for a second successive year, but Mr Whittingdale says he understands the decision.

“In the present climate, when everybody else is expected to face these sorts of measures, I fully accept why MPs need to be seen as sharing the burden," he said.

"I understand the pressures that we are under.”

The IPSA has also recommended a 1.85% increase in MPs' pension contributions, with consultation due to conclude on February 29.