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Sir John Baker Review

I announced in my written ministerial statement on Wednesday 16 January 2008, Official Report, column 32WS, volume 470, that the Prime Minister had asked Sir John Baker CBE to undertake a review of the mechanism for determining the pay and pensions for Members of Parliament which does not involve MPs voting on their own pay and pensions; and to report to him by May 2008. The terms of reference are as follows: Review of the mechanism for determining the pay and pensions for Members of Parliament."to examine options and make recommendations for a mechanism for independently determining the pay and pensions of Members of Parliament which does not involve MPs voting on their own pay; the appropriate comparator; and the frequency with which reviews of the use of the comparator take place;""to ensure that the independent mechanism takes account of the Government's policy on public sector pay and its target for inflation and;""to have regard to the need for any independent mechanism to maintain the support and trust of the public and Members of Parliament." The review should seek to:"examine comparable international mechanisms and the resulting experience;""address the constitutional framework alongside legal and legislative considerations;""consider the range of evidence that should be considered by the recommended independent mechanism in determining an appropriate comparator;""consider the membership and remit of any independent body that may be part of the pay setting process;""give due consideration to consistency with other public service wage setting mechanisms and wage settlements across the public service and;""outline a recommended timetable for transition to any new system."