Rejected petition Reduce MP's salary on the same basis as Universal Credit

Rejected on 25 November 2021

At present, Universal Credit claimants have their benefit reduced by 63p for every £1 they earn. MPs with 'second jobs' should have their salary reduced on the same basis - 63p for every £1 they earn outside Parliament.

MPs maintain that their 'second jobs' gain them 'valuable insights' into business and other topics. That may be so but, if they are earning money for a 'second job' they should not need their full salary as an MP. Like Universal Credit, their payment comes from the taxpayer, and the extra income should be treated in the same way as a Universal Credit claimant is.

Why was this petition rejected?

It’s about something that the UK Government or Parliament is not directly responsible for.

We can't accept your petition because the UK Government and Parliament aren't responsible for the issue you raise. The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) is responsible for deciding on MPs' expenses and pay. IPSA is independent of both Parliament and Government.

You can find out how to contact IPSA here: http://www.theipsa.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/

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