Following his recent announcement that he was not comfortable taking a pay rise at a time when public services are trying to find savings, Luke Hall, the local Member of Parliament for Thornbury and Yate, has today confirmed the launch of his MP’s Community Fund.
Luke Hall had previously stated that he believed the pay rise was inappropriate at a time when families have only recently started to see wages increase, and so soon after the Chancellor recently announced continued pay restraint for those working in the public sector.
Following an announcement by IPSA, the independent body which administers MP’s pay, this morning which confirmed the 10% pay rise, Luke Hall has confirmed his intention to give the extra money to local groups and charities to support the community. The pay rise will be backdated to the day after the general election, with the money handed to MPs at the end of August.
The change to MP’s pay is part of a wider reform by IPSA which makes their pensions less generous and abolishes some specific expenses. Following the rise, MP’s pay will be linked to average earnings in the public sector, meaning they share in any pay restraint imposed on civil servants, teachers, and NHS workers.
The Community Fund will be administered by an independent panel which will distribute the cash to groups within the local area who need one-off financial support for special projects, events, or equipment. To date several local charities and community groups have written to Luke’s offices seeking financial assistance, and these applications will be considered at the first meeting of the panel in August.
If you would like to apply for funding please contact Luke at [email protected] or at 01454 423 001 to request an application form.
Following the confirmation by IPSA, Luke Hall said:
“While I continue to think giving MPs a pay rise in the current financial climate is completely wrong, this announcement does mean my plans to support local groups can press ahead. I am very much looking forward to supporting organisations and charities within our area over the next five years, and I would strongly encourage everyone to get in touch and recommend local groups that you think make our community a better place to live.”