Stroud MP Dr Simon Opher has defended a proposed above inflation pay rise of 2.8%.
This would take MPs’ annual pay from £91,346 to £93,904 and represents a rise of nearly £20,000 over the past 10 years.
MPs also claim expenses for their staff, office costs, accommodation and travel.
Mr Opher told Stroud Times: “MPs’ salaries are set by IPSA, the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority.
“The 2.8% increase is less than half the 6.7% recently awarded to millions with the increase in the National Living Wage (more for younger workers), and is also below the annual RPI measure which has previously been used as a benchmark. IPSA are also introducing a comparison to other public sector workers as a benchmark.”
A final decision on MPs’ salary will be made in mid-March.
