March 3, 2022 7.00 am This story is over 24 months old

‘Disgusting’ and ‘unnecessary’: MPs’ pay rise riles up Lincolnshire residents

MPs to get a £2,200 pay rise to £84k
Chris Loydall says top pay is necessary to attract the right people to be MPs | Credits: Jamie Waller (LDR)

The money allocated for MPs’ pay rise should be invested in poor areas or used to support Ukraine, Lincolnshire residents have suggested.

Members of Parliament will get an additional £2,200 a year from next month.

They will get receive a salary of £84,144, an independent watchdog has decided, adding that their workload had “dramatically increased” during the pandemic.

Some people in Grimsby have said the move is ‘disgusting’ at a time when so many people are struggling financially, but others have suggested it’s necessary to attract the right people to represent the area.

Cathy Burton said: “With everything going on in the world, they shouldn’t be getting a pay rise.

“Why can’t the money be used to help Ukraine, or invested in poor areas?

“There are so many parts of the towns and cities that badly need the money.”

Jackie Coulbeck said: “I would love a £2,000 pay rise!

“I think their pay should stay the same until things are back to normal.”

Another woman who objected to the pay rise: “It’s disgusting, they should have their pay cut.”

However, others said that the top pay was necessary for the country’s leaders.

Chris Loydall said: “You need to have the right people in the right places, and that means paying them properly.

“If you want them to consider becoming an MP, then there has to be a decent salary.

“It’s the same old story – if you pay peanuts then you get monkeys.

“It’s a tough job. I certainly wouldn’t like to be Prime Minister at the moment!”

The increase was set by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority.

It is lower than the rate of inflation, meaning that it will be a real-term pay cut for MPs.

It comes as consumers are facing a cost of living crisis driven by soaring energy bills and rising prices in shops.