In light of today's news regarding the salary increase for MPs effective from April this year, we thought you would be interested in our recent research into the public's opinion on MP salaries and whether they are appropriate for the role.

New research by KIS Finance has revealed the public’s opinion on MP salaries and whether they should be paid more in order to improve standards.

The survey of 2,000 Brits has revealed that:

•31% of people believe that the current MP salary is inadequate to encourage high performing individuals into politics.

•Those under 45 are more in favour than older generations of increasing MP salaries.

•Edinburgh is the city with the most support for increasing MPs’ pay, with 43% of those living in or around the city supporting a pay increase for MPs.

•Green Party supporters are most in favour of paying MPs more, with 52% supporting an increase in salary. In stark contrast, only 19% of UKIP supporters are in favour of paying MPs more.



We went to the public with our results...

After gathering the results from our survey, we put the question back out to the public in order to gain opinions on the results and their thoughts on what needs to change in parliament in order for them to be happy with a salary increase for MPs.

These were some of the main points that came up;

•MPs should have an increase in salary as the role holds a huge amount of responsibility, however a rule saying that MPs are not allowed to have any second jobs should be brought into the code of conduct. Many people feel that MPs are too distracted by their other commitments and they should solely focus on their roles in parliament – having a higher salary will allow many MPs to give up their other sources of income and concentrate on their main occupation as an MP. (data on specific MP’s second jobs available on request)

•MPs should have a salary increase, however, they shouldn’t be allowed to claim the extortionate expenses that they do now. Many feel that the huge amount of expenses claims that are currently approved is “fraudulent”, “unfair”, and “more of a perk than the salary”.

•MPs should be put on a performance-based pay system as it would improve how many MPs perform in their role.



MP salaries compared to other sectors

The survey conducted asked people to compare how MP salaries stacked up against other sectors in order to make an informed decision on whether MPs should be paid more, less, or kept at their current salary of £77,379.

For comparison purposes, the respondents were given details of the salaries of various other responsible roles to help them make a fair judgement.



Younger generations are the most supportive of an MP salary increase

The research found that those under 45 are more in favour than older generations of increasing MP salaries, with 39% of 25 to 34 year-olds and 36% of 35 to 44 year-olds in support.

By comparison, only 21% of those 55 to 64 would support an increase in the amount that MPs receive.



How do different cities feel towards MP salaries?

Edinburgh is the city with the most support for increasing MPs’ pay, with 43% of those living in or around the city supporting a pay increase for MPs. This is closely followed by people in London with 38% in support.

Those in Belfast and the surrounding area are most in favour of cutting MPs’ salaries with 48% agreeing that this should be done, followed by Newcastle with 42% in favour of a reduction.



Does political allegiance affect people’s views?

Based on people’s political allegiance, taken from how they voted in the 2016 General election, Green Party supporters are most in favour of paying MPs more, with 52% supporting an increase in salary. Supporters of the Liberal Democrats are next with 51%.

In stark contrast, only 19% of UKIP voters are in favour of paying MPs more, compared to a massive 45% of their supporters who are in favour of cutting their salaries.

In respect of the main political parties, Labour and Conservative supporters are fairly evenly split with 30% of Conservatives and 29% of Labour supporters being in favour of an increase.



An interesting case study…

The report also contains an interesting perspective from a Psychologist and ex-Political Campaign Manager who thinks a performance based pay system could have a major impact on how MPs perform in their role.

Below is a short extract from the case study:

“Most MPs would fear losing their influence much more than a few thousand pounds. This is something that is part of the performance-related pay in other industries, not only do you not see a financial benefit if you are incompetent, you will also ultimately lose your job. At present, MPs have their job for a fixed term whether they do anything or not.”


[END]



Notes to Editors:

•Full report: https://www.kisbridgingloans.co.uk/finance-news/public-opini...
•2,000 Brits were surveyed through Leadership Factor, by the breakdown:
-Gender
-Age
-Region
-City (The full report does not contain all cities – we also have additional data available for Glasgow, Leeds, Liverpool, Norwich, Nottingham, Sheffield and Southampton)
-Political allegiance

About KIS Finance: KIS Finance are considerably experienced professional finance brokers who specialise in providing the most competitive finance facilities quickly and with the minimum of fuss.



Contact Details:

Phoebe Griffits
phoebe@kisfinance.co.uk
01884 820110



Data Sources:

- 2,000 people surveyed through The Leadership Factor.

- Office for National Statistics – Employee earnings in the UK:

- Data.Police.UK - Head of Metropolitan Police salary data

- Companies House - CEO salary data

- CIPD - FTS 100 CEO salary data

- NHS Careers - NHS Consultant salary data

- Glass Door - British Airways pilot salary data

- Department of Education - Head teacher salary data

-Parliament.UK- MP salary data