We have been asked the following question by several Members this week: “What is APA’s position on the ‘MP Expenses’ issue.”Our reply was simple, ‘There is a clear conflict between what MPs claim, what they are allowed to claim and what the voting public find is acceptable for them to claim and therefore APA would encourage the Government to find a transparent, auditable and workable solution and introduce it within an acceptable period of time. APA would encourage those involved to start by revisiting the basic salary paid to Parliamentarians.’
Let me explain one fact that influences this thinking. In 2007 there was a survey of the salaries of the Chiefs Executive of the Top 5,000 businesses in the UK. The average of these was £750,000 per annum – we have heard recently the details of some of the highest ones. Now if you consider that the Prime Minster is Britain’s CEO (MD, UK plc) and he is paid £168,000 pa. then it seems very little for a hugely responsible job. Cabinet Ministers receive around £140K and backbench MPs just £70K.
APA believes that if we paid MPs a realistic salary, and I have met enough good ones to know that the responsibility, if the job is done correctly, is extremely onerous, then we wouldn’t be having this debate about claims for cat food and Kit Kats! If they wanted a flat in London and the lifestyle to go with it, then, if they earned enough, they could pay for it themselves.
We would also request one thing of our Politicians; Please don’t be pressurised (by the Press) to rush into a solution. Quick legislation is hardly ever good legislation. It is clearly a thorny subject and one that could be debated, agreed and enacted in time. The current situation has been in place for 20 years, what are another few months.
This is an issue that I doubt APA will be consulted on but I would welcome your views to inform the organisational opinion.
Gareth
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