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MSPs to scrap link with MPs' salaries | MSPs to scrap link with MPs' salaries |
(about 1 hour later) | |
MSPs are expected to vote to scrap the link between their pay and the salary of Westminster MPs. | MSPs are expected to vote to scrap the link between their pay and the salary of Westminster MPs. |
MSPs are paid 87.5% of an MP's wage and were in line to get a 9% increase after the general election. | MSPs are paid 87.5% of an MP's wage and were in line to get a 9% increase after the general election. |
But leaders at Holyrood agreed it was "politically unthinkable" for MSPs to accept the increase in the current economic climate. | But leaders at Holyrood agreed it was "politically unthinkable" for MSPs to accept the increase in the current economic climate. |
Instead pay rises will be linked to inflation, similar to other public sector employees. | Instead pay rises will be linked to inflation, similar to other public sector employees. |
At the moment politicians at Holyrood receive just over £58,000, while an MP's basic salary is £66,396. | At the moment politicians at Holyrood receive just over £58,000, while an MP's basic salary is £66,396. |
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) recommended that MP pay should rise to £74,000 per annum after the 2015 general election. | The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) recommended that MP pay should rise to £74,000 per annum after the 2015 general election. |
This would have seen MSPs' basic salaries increase to about £64,750. | This would have seen MSPs' basic salaries increase to about £64,750. |
Ipsa also recommended cuts to perks such as meal allowances and taxis, a less generous pension scheme and the trimming of "golden goodbyes" paid to retiring MPs. | Ipsa also recommended cuts to perks such as meal allowances and taxis, a less generous pension scheme and the trimming of "golden goodbyes" paid to retiring MPs. |
'Ludicrous' | 'Ludicrous' |
MPs cannot block it because they handed control of the decision to the independent body in the wake of the 2009 expenses scandal. | MPs cannot block it because they handed control of the decision to the independent body in the wake of the 2009 expenses scandal. |
The Scottish Parliament passed a resolution in 2002 linking MSP salaries to MP salaries. | The Scottish Parliament passed a resolution in 2002 linking MSP salaries to MP salaries. |
In July 2013, the then First Minister Alex Salmond rejected as "ludicrous" plans to increase the pay of elected parliamentarians. | In July 2013, the then First Minister Alex Salmond rejected as "ludicrous" plans to increase the pay of elected parliamentarians. |
He said: "Pay for MPs - and MSPs - should not rise beyond the limits of the restraints currently placed on public sector pay. | He said: "Pay for MPs - and MSPs - should not rise beyond the limits of the restraints currently placed on public sector pay. |
"It is ludicrous to suggest that parliamentarians should be given anything beyond these norms, at a time when public sector workers are having to make do with much, much lower pay increases." | "It is ludicrous to suggest that parliamentarians should be given anything beyond these norms, at a time when public sector workers are having to make do with much, much lower pay increases." |
Scottish Labour's Paul Martin echoed those comments. | Scottish Labour's Paul Martin echoed those comments. |
He said: "Given the harsh reality of the current economy and the struggles facing families, I hope common sense will prevail and these proposals will be thrown out after the consultation process." | He said: "Given the harsh reality of the current economy and the struggles facing families, I hope common sense will prevail and these proposals will be thrown out after the consultation process." |
You can watch decision time at BBC Scotland's Democracy Live website. |