MSPs running Holyrood committees in line for 20 per cent pay rise

MSPs chairing Holyrood committees are to receive a 20 per cent pay rise.

The change will take effect in April after it was agreed by the ruling Scottish Parliament Corporate Body (SPCB) – if the rest of the parliament agrees to it.

Presiding Officer Kenneth Gibson said move recognises the “significant additional demands placed on” conveners of the parliament’s 16 committees.

MSPs currently receive an annual salary of £77,711, which is less than the £98,599 paid to MPs.

The uplift will take committee conveners to £93,253 – an increase of £15,542.

A motion on the change will be laid before parliament to enable MSPs to vote on it.

Gibson raised the matter with the cross-party SPCB last month. A report prepared for the panel concluded that there should be “formal recognition” for conveners in their pay packets – which the SPCB unanimously backed.

In a letter to MSPs outlining the change, Gibson said: “Our committees really are at the heart of what we, as a parliament, do. Not only ensuring that the parliament holds the government to account, but that we are hearing from people across Scotland about the issues that matter to them.”

Gibson, who has undertaken a string of reforms since becoming PO, went on: “Over the coming months I hope to say more about my plans for further parliamentary reform and strengthening the ties between Holyrood, its committees and communities across Scotland.

 “Conveners and their committees will have a vital role to play in this work reconnecting the parliament and the people.”