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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.