The debate over fair pay for MPs is heating up. A new citizens’ forum will let randomly selected members of the public weigh in. The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) is leading the discussion. They want an open conversation about what democracy should cost.
Ipsa recently set MP salaries at £93,904 per year. They also manage expenses, which they call “business costs.” Now, they’re reaching out to the public for input. Soon, 10,000 invitation letters will go out via lottery. From these, about 25 people will join the forum.
Participants will debate MP pay and funding over two days and two evenings. They’ll also receive £250 for their time. Currently, public opinion on MP salaries is mixed. A 2021 poll found only 3% think MPs earn too little. Meanwhile, 62% believe their pay is too high.
Ipsa admits many misunderstand how MP salaries are decided. Some wrongly think taxpayers fund MPs’ private homes. The watchdog wants to clarify these misconceptions. They also aim to discuss MPs’ roles, office costs, and fair compensation.
Richard Lloyd, Ipsa’s chair, stressed the importance of fair pay for MPs. He said democracy shouldn’t be limited to the wealthy. He also noted rising abuse toward MPs and declining public trust. The forum hopes to rebuild confidence.
The New Citizen Project and Sortition Foundation will help run the sessions. These will take place in September. Ipsa also plans wider public engagement. They’ll gather online feedback and expert opinions under the theme “What’s Democracy Worth?”
Ultimately, the forum’s findings will guide Ipsa’s decisions. They’ll shape MP pay and funding from 2026 onward. For now, the focus remains on fair pay for MPs and public trust in democracy. If you get an invitation, Ipsa hopes you’ll join the conversation.
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