Santa delivers pay boost for MPs
The Remuneration Authority says the 1.4%, backdated to July, is less than the rate of inflation.
All MPs have been given a pre-Christmas pay rise going back to July.
The Remuneration Authority has ordered the 1.4%, saying it was less than the rate of inflation and was a figure that had applied across many parts of the public sector.
It takes a backbencher's salary to a basic $134,800 and goes up through the ranks to the prime minister's $400,500.
WHAT THEY GET:
Prime Minister $400,500;
Deputy Prime Minister $282,500;
Cabinet Ministers $249,100;
Ministers outside Cabinet $209,100;*
Speaker of Parliament $249,100; Deputy Speaker $174,200;
Leader of the Opposition $249,100;
Leaders of other parties $148,500;
Whips $148,500;
Chairs of select committees $148,500; Deputy chairs $139,100;
Other MPs $134,800.
MPs' tax free allowances have been increased 3.7%, which the authority said was the rate of inflation since the last pay rate change.
MPs didn't get a pay rise last year after Parliament changed the law so the authority could take economic factors into account. Before that it had to grant increases without that consideration, and MPs had no choice in accepting them.
In addition to those changes, MPs have been given an extra $2000 a year each to offset reduced use of the travel discount, which is considered to be part of their income.
The rules around travel allowances have changed, and the authority said it would make another pay determination early next year after the impact had been considered by itself and Inland Revenue.
NZPA
Thu, 23 Dec 2010
Thu, 23 Dec 2010
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Santa delivers pay boost for MPs
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