AYRSHIRE and Arran MP, Katy Clark, has dubbed the proposed 11% hike in Westminster MP’s pay as ‘inappropriate’ — and Holyrood member Kenneth Gibson agrees.

The pay rise — which would take effect after the 2015 general election — is proposed by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) the MPs watchdog on pay and allowances. IPSA doesn’t need the approval of the UK Parliament to bring in the pay rise.

The proposal has met with opposition across the political divide at Westminster, including from Lib Dem Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander who has urged the watchdog to think again.

At Holyrood, plans to decouple rises in MSP’s salaries from those of Westminster MP’s were confirmed. In future, MSP pay rises would be in line with those in Scotland’s public sector.

Ms Clark issued the following statement about the proposed pay rise: “At present it is unclear precisely what the Independent Parliamentary Standards are proposing as all we have are reports in the media.

“If however the reports of a pay increase for MPs along with a reduction in their pension entitlement are accurate I believe it would be it would be inappropriate for MPs to be awarded a pay increase at this time.

“I believe that politicians pay is a political issue and given the appalling failure of the Government’s austerity measures with prices rising faster than wages in the UK in 40 of the 41 months since the 2010 General Election, I do not think that a pay increase can be justified.

“The majority of public sector workers are yet again facing a 1% cap on pay increases, well below the rate of inflation, this after a number of years of no increases at all. At a time when so many are struggling I can see no justification for an increase in MPs pay.

“It is important to note that as the law currently stands MPs currently have no say in determining their own pay. Following the MP’s expenses scandal the responsibility for MP’s pay was transferred to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA). IPSA have recently conducted a consultation on MPs pay and I would urge anyone who wishes to express their views on the matter to contact IPSA directly at info@parliamentarystandards.org.uk”.

MSP for Cunninghame North, Kenneth Gibson, commented: “It is simply wrong to have pay rises for MPs of 11% when others who serve the public will have no such increase.”