MP to donate controversial 10% pay rise to charities

Local SNP MP Calum Kerr has claimed that there is “no justification” for the recent rise in MPs’ salaries, and declared that he will donate it to charity.
Election Husting at Duns Parish Church for the Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk seat. 
SNP candidate Calum KerrElection Husting at Duns Parish Church for the Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk seat. 
SNP candidate Calum Kerr
Election Husting at Duns Parish Church for the Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk seat. SNP candidate Calum Kerr

MPs’ salaries will rise from £67,060 to £74,000, as announced by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA).

IPSA chairman Sir Ian Kennedy said the rise was being combined with cuts to expenses, pension and severance payments for MPs.

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The independent watchdog, set up to bring in and run a new expenses and pay system after the expenses scandal of 2009, says in future MPs’ pay would rise in line with average public sector rises.

But Mr Kerr said: “At a time when we are suffering the brutal effects of austerity, the Tories are targeting the poor, the young and families and public sector workers are being limited to a one per cent pay rise, I don’t think there is any case whatsoever for MPs being given an increase of 10 per cent.”

He added: “I’ll be donating every month to charities and local causes and I’m sure other SNP MPs will be doing exactly the same.”

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