I will oppose plans to award Assembly members an above inflation pay rise. An independent panel has recommended the pay rise, saying that AMs now have a higher workload because of their extra legislative powers. But following a series of low pay increases for public sector workers, Plaid AMs have argued against such a large increase for themselves.
At a time when public sector workers have to accept below inflation pay rises, I find it inappropriate for us to be awarded. It is somewhat unjustifiable.
I am clear about my actions in relation to this, and it is not political opportunism as Nick Bourne is trying to portray it. If we are to debate police pay, and public sector pay at the Assembly on a regular basis, then I really do not believe that we can be making grand standing statements without reflecting that in our own lives also.
In the current climate of the tightening of budgets, I can't see how we will win any support as an Institution. I would have prefered it had all AMs taken the same position on this issue, as now there will be questions around what will happen if some AMs take the pay rise, and others do not.
I believe that AMs pay should be in line with other National parliaments. We need to attract more people to stand, but now is not the right time to be accepting such a substantial increase in pay.
8 comments:
Do you believe that AMs do not deserve a pay rise of this magnitude, or that they should not be seen to accept one in the current climate?
I think that it should be in line with public sector pay personally. This isn't everyone's view of course. The current climate does not help the situation, but I believe that we should show that we are serious about the issue in how we act.
Your actions seem very thoughtful and are in marked contrast to Plaid's
recent campaigning on marginal issues like car number plates.
The public of Wales are reportedly angry that their Assembly Members have awarded themselves an above inflation 8.3% pay rise. Well as one who campaigned strongly for a Wales Assembly, I’ve been angered with them for several years. Generally speaking, the political parties have nominated for election to Assembly Member status people who are of a low standard and low intellect. I’m sick to the teeth of reading their pathetic pompous little live diaries called ‘Blogs’ with their inane self important entries like:- “I’m typing this during a debate. The Minister in front of me has just ordered a new suit on an internet shopping network during the debate” or “We believe we can halt global warming with every five new houses in Wales sharing a toy roof top Wind Turbine” or by totally refusing to communicate due to childish peek at political differences. The standard of AMs is not worthy of their current salaries. I’d not elect them to our local Community (Parish) Council if I had a choice. There are no giants like Dafydd Wigley or Ron Davies or “Captains” of the private sector in Cardiff Bay. I think we should offer a 100% pay rise to attract a whole new raft of people worthy of the status of AM, or just abolish the Wales Assembly altogether. This Wales Assembly has been the biggest disappointment of my long political life due to the poor calibre of AMs the parties have put forward
Does that mean you will not be taking the money at all?
Good how about helping me live a decent life, I've a serious disability after an accident with back spinal cord injury and head injuries I have fits nightmares and have major issues, yet live on £87 a week.
this year we have had an increase of £1.95 a week, my rent has gone up £3.05, plus gas water eclectic and all the rest. poverty is a killer.
no I won't be taking this pay rise as it stands.
Beth am gyfrannu'r arian sy'n weddill ar gyfer sefydlu Papur Dyddiol Cymraeg? ;-)
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