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Topical question asked in the House of Commons, by Brian Iddon (Labour). It was answered on Tuesday, 16 March 2010 on behalf of the Treasury.

Topical Questions

Question: Why, in the current economic climate, do we allow the salaries of senior managers in the public sector, such as vice-chancellors of universities, chief executives of local authorities and chief executives of housing associations, to rise way above the rate of inflation, while those same managers are encouraged to keep the salaries of the public sector workers whom they manage at a very low level?

Answer: We have repaired the salaries of public service workers in this country. Over the past decade, public sector wages have risen by about 25 per cent., but at a time like this we think it is important that senior leaders in the public sector show an example, which is why, in our evidence to the Senior Salaries Review Body, we recommended a pay rise of 0 per cent. That was the rise that we implemented across the board last week.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 507 c724
Session: 2009-10
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Subjects: Pay Public sector Economic situation
Link: View this Topical question on www.publications.parliament.uk