News

Howard's Way.... a weekly column from the Rt. Hon. Michael Howard QC. MP. 

16 April 2009

So much has been said and written about the pay and allowances for Members of Parliament that I think I should give you my view.

First, I have decided to waive the increase in my Parliamentary salary for the coming year. This is not because I think Members of Parliament are paid too much. By comparison with those in other countries, British Members of Parliament come very far from top of the pay league. And although I think it is important that no-one should be tempted to go into politics for the money, it is essential that the pay level should be such that people of talent, whom we need to run this country, are deterred from a political career. I would be far better off financially if I had pursued my career as a barrister and never become a Member of Parliament but I have no regrets because I think I have been able to contribute towards making our country a better place to live in – though I know my political opponents would challenge that!

No, the reason why I am not taking the salary increase to which I am entitled is that, like Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg, I think it would be wrong to take the increase while so many people are suffering hardship as a result of the recession.

Similarly, a few years ago, I refused to take an increased pension that was on offer. This was to be paid for by an increase in the contribution made by Members of Parliament but also an increase in the contribution made by the taxpayer. I did not think this was justified so my pension entitlement remains on the old, lower basis.

This brings me to the question of expenses. Members of Parliament work in two places – London, where, of course, Parliament sits, and their constituency. Most of us cannot commute because Parliament sits late and even when it doesn’t there are frequently evening meetings which have to be attended. So I think it is reasonable that there should be an allowance for a second home. It is paid against receipts and that has obviously made it possible to expose some of the abuses which have recently come to light and which, of course, have brought the whole system into disrepute.

In common with several other prominent MPs details of my claims were made public last summer and passed without comment.

But changes clearly need to be made.

I think it is wrong that Members of Parliament should decide how much they should be paid and how much they should be able to spend on secretarial help and accommodation. So I think it would be an improvement if these matters were to be decided independently.

In addition, at the last election, I proposed a reduction in the number of Members of Parliament, a proposal which David Cameron has renewed. That would give taxpayers better value for money.

I am coming to the end of my parliamentary career. I have always tried to give my constituents value for money. You have had five opportunities at successive General Elections, to decide whether I have succeeded. I take great comfort from the confidence you have placed in me – something I have always tried to repay.