Scottish Parliament committee chairs awarded 20 per cent pay rise

Summarised from 3 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 16:22 · Archive

The Scottish Parliament has awarded committee conveners a 20 per cent pay rise starting in April 2027, equivalent to an additional payment of 20 per cent of the standard MSP salary. MSPs currently earn £77,711 annually, meaning committee conveners will receive over £93,000 before tax.

Presiding Officer Kenneth Gibson, himself a former committee convener, said the decision recognises that committees are 'at the heart of what we, as a Parliament, do'. He stated: 'I am acutely aware from my own experience however, of the additional demands that come with these positions.' The Scottish Parliament Corporate Body agreed unanimously that the responsibilities of the role warrant formal recognition within the Parliament's Salaries Scheme.

The rise requires approval from Parliament through an amendment to the Salaries Scheme. There are currently 16 committees in the Scottish Parliament, eight of which are chaired by SNP MSPs. The announcement comes as the Scottish Government grapples with a £5 billion shortfall in public finances and considers public sector spending reductions, including mergers of local authorities and NHS health boards.

Scottish Parliament committee chairs awarded 20 per cent pay rise — Image: BBC Scotland

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How it is being reported

Holyrood committee conveners set for £15,000 pay riseThe change is expected to cost the taxpayer £342,000 a year, based on this year's pay levels.BBC Scotland · 5 Nov, 16:46
MSPs who chair Holyrood committees to be handed massive 20% pay rise despite public sector cutsPresiding Officer Kenny Gibson said "our committees really are at the heart of what we as a Parliament do".Daily Record · 5 Nov, 15:56
Scottish Parliament committee chiefs granted whopping 20 per cent pay riseTHE SCOTTISH Parliament has awarded MSPs who run committees a massive 20 per cent pay rise starting next year.The National · 5 Nov, 15:23

In this story: Scottish Parliament · Kenneth Gibson · Scotland · SNP

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