PAG says MLCs pay should be cut further

A pressure group has branded a review into the salaries of politicians a ‘missed opportunity’ to save public money.

It comes after an independent report suggested ‘rolling up’ tax-free expenses and departmental uplifts into a new, higher basic salary for Tynwald members.

The changes would result in an MHK’s pay being fixed at £65k and an MLC’s at £61k, figures based on civil service pay scales.

The suggestions lead to a slight reduction in the overall cost paying of Tynwald members.

Those in both branches currently receive a starting salary of £43k, but almost all receive a 30-40% salary boost for being a departmental member.

The Positive Action Group says members of the Legislative Council should take an even bigger pay cut to reflect a lack of constituency work.