Posted by Jake on Sunday, December 18, 2011 with 2 comments | Labels: Big Society, inequality, Inflation, Liebrary, MP, pensions, politicians
So what would have happened if MPs' pay and perks had been linked to inflation?:
An MP’s allowances in 1975, of £3,200, would have risen by 2007 to £19,367 if RPI inflation had been applied. In fact the actual figure was £90,505.
If an MP’s 1975 salary, of £5,750, had simply matched the RPI inflation, then in 2007 it would be £34,801. In fact, it grew to £60,675.
The coalition brought in the "triple lock": pensions would increase by the inflation rate, increase in earnings or 2.5%, whichever is the highest. If CPI dips below 2.5%, then pensions will rise by at least 2.5%. They will increase by more if wages increase by more than 2.5%. Your graphics do not take account of this!
ReplyDeleteSome people have tweeted and commented about the 'triple lock guarantee', in which George Osborne promised pensions would rise by at least 2.5% even if inflation is lower than that. While this is a promise, it isn't the law. Promises by politicians, whether left or right, tend to be a matter of convenience rather than principle.
ReplyDeleteThe LibDems, in June 2014, said they would make this 'triple lock' law should they be in a position to do so.
http://www.libdemvoice.org/steve-webb-writes-lib-dems-will-write-the-pensions-triple-lock-guarantee-into-law-41220.html