Local MPs respond to pay rise recommendation

Simon Danczuk MP

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MP for Rochdale, Simon Danczuk and MP for Heywood and Middleton, Jim Dobbin have responded to questions about the highly controversial proposed pay rise for MPs.

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) has recommended that the basic salary of MPs increase from its current annual rate of £66,396 to £74,000 in 2015 - an increase of £7,604.

Simon Danczuk said: “I am opposed to the pay rise as I don’t think it’s right that the Government are making big cuts and MPs get rewarded.

"I would like to remind people that MPs had no say in this decision and while it will see a salary increase come into place after 2015, this is offset by further cuts to expenses, reduced pensions and reduced re-settlement payments.

“I know most people think MPs are overpaid but I took a pay cut to come into parliament and it is a great privilege to represent the people of Rochdale.”

Jim Dobbin said: "It is a very difficult time to be offering MPs a pay rise. Almost any time would be a difficult time.

"The decision is not one for MPs to make and is a recommendation from an independent body who govern MPs’ conditions of service.

"I understand why this would lead to anger from public sector workers. I worked for 34 years in the Health Service and I support the need for public sector workers to receive an appropriate rise in level of pay."