Can We Trust MPs To Look After Our Finances?
Over the last few months there has been a ground swell of support amongst MPs to increase their salaries to take into account a whole host of expenses which they look set to lose in the short term. There has even been talk of MPs being paid a bonus for attending the House of Commons, something which is totally unheard of in the private sector. So can we trust MPs to look after the public purse when a number of reports have highlighted the fact they seem unable to look after their own finances?
While there is still confusion as to when the subject of MP salaries will actually be sorted out, Gordon Brown has stepped into the fray and blocked an already agreed 1.5% rise in MPs salaries. However, there is widespread disbelief amongst the Labour backbenchers and scepticism in the public domain, with many suggesting that this is just a publicity stunt.
Apparently Gordon Brown has stepped in to block the rise because he would like MPs to set an example to the public services, but he seems set to lose face from both the public and his fellow MPs. The PM has struggled to push through some important decisions of late and moves such as that seen today will not help his support.
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