Blair gets two per cent pay rise

Thursday, 12 February 2004 12:00 AM

The Government have today accepted a two per cent pay rise for all cabinet ministers and MPs.

After accepting the recommendations of the Review Body on Senior Salaries, Tony Blair's salary will increase from £175,414 to £178,922 as of April 1st.

The other cabinet ministers will also see their pay increase for the new financial year, increasing from £127,791 to £130,347.

Westminster MPs will now earn £1,127 more each year having had their pay go up to £57,485; while senior public servants will also enjoy a two per cent rise.

The most senior civil servants will, however, have the opportunity to bolster their pay packets with a performance-based bonus of up to nine per cent, although they could also suffer a "real terms pay cut," receiving no rise if their performances are not up to standard.

Prison officers are to get an extra 2.4 per cent, judges will enjoy a 2.5 per cent rise, and senior military officers will have their pay boosted by 2.8 per cent.

The rises were based on the Consumer Price Index, currently at 1.3 per cent, and is the second time politicians have seen a reasonably small pay increase, following discontent at salary rises in previous years.

Tags: