AIBU to think that many of the country's current troubles....

[AnnieLobeseder]

... could be solved by the very simple measure of paying MPs and the rest of the idiots in Westminster minimum wage?

It would solve our problems in 2 simple ways.

1. only people who genuinely wanted to help the country would apply, not power- and wealth-hungry knobends.

2. they sure as heck would make sure that it was possible to live comfortably on minimum wage, unlike the current state of affairs where you're generally better off on benefits.

Shall we start a petition?

HA! Yeah, good luck with that

Bloody brilliant idea though. Who was it who said that those capable of getting to positions of great power are the sort of people who should be prevented from being in positions of great power (or words to that effect!)

I realise this is not a serious AIBU, but, still: YABU.

If the system was as you suggest, it would be as it used to be in the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries, namely, only those who were independently wealthy would go into politics. No one else would be able or be bothered.

Given that the current cabinet is composed of, I think, 20 millionaires, this is hardly a good model for representative government.

How about paying them the national average? That way it's in their interests to raise the standard for everyone.

Again, that wouldn't work. MPs would be even more open to corruption. They would be working amongst the richest and most powerful people in the country, but would be expected to earn a tiny fraction of the salaries those people command. What do you think would happen? Either worse corruption, or a total brain drain of even remotely talented people.

No, it wouldn't work. MPs are usually educated intelligent professionals (ven though they might do stupid things) and money has to be sufficently attractive to appeal to such a person. I want MPs are who tossing up between top chambers and parliment, not ones tossing upbetween the asda checkout and parliment. I'm afraid poorly paid people often aren't highly skilled.

On the whole, for a variety of reasons YABU. However, I think in the recess all MPs should have to do a week of minimum wage work, and budget accordingly (ie not have access to any of their usual money etc) in this time. I think it would be helpful for them and the public.

Also, although MP's get paid well, and they do/say a lot of silly things, it is actually a rubbish job. I thought seriously about pursuing a career in politics and swiftly changed my mind when I realised that it was an 80 hour week, mostly away from family, being heavily scrutinised if your family did live with you in your London residence, and then having to go to boring school fetes etc on your weekends. They have very little power unless they toe the party line, get lobbied constantly by lobbiests and journos.

No thank you! Not for 66K anyway!

Unfortunately, then the only people who could afford to be MPs would be those with family money or that were already independently wealthy, as the pay would only be a pittance that most people couldn't live on. (which is pretty much the case anyway, I think at this point)

As MrsCog says lots of disadvantages and unless they have an ultra-safe seat they get 4 years and may be out of a job overnight. No job security for someone with family/££ responsibilities. Fixing a fair wage is hard as there are expenses like living away from home.

I'd really really like to see MPs given small flat/bedsit near Parliament for use if they wish, no second homes needed, 2nd class rail travel to get home.

I don't understand why there isn't a purpose built hotel-like building for MPs to use when away from home. Nothing fancy, just simple clean safe accomodation with a desk area and internet access for them as well, so that they can stay there when needed. Surely that's sufficient for their needs?

OK, so long-term it wouldn't work. But it seems the politicians are so completely out of touch with what life is really like for the average family, like MrsCog says, they certainly should be made to live on at least the national average wage for a while.

They should get paid the same as teachers. We're always being told how generous teachers' salaries are!

I think they should be moved out of Westminster and have a purpose built meeting hall/ (nurses) accommodation block in an impoverished northern English town or city which would remove the inner London glam factor and end the hobnobbing with bankers and city types.

yabu because only the rich would be able to afford to be mps

MPs don't earn that much money.....i'd pay them more

YABVU.

I think that the second home allowance should be paid only to provide a second home in London for the MP - and I'd give the task to the same agency as the one that provides military housing. The housing stock would be owned/rented by the agency for MPs, and there would be size/rent limitations (like there are on the military). Basic equipping would also be done as for the military, and maintenance could be centralised (good for security and cost savings of scale). Anyone one who wanted to depart from the publicly funded provision would of course be free to do so (eg have a family sized house, rather than a flat for the one worker) but it would have to be entirely at their own expense. MPs would, of course, like the military pay an abated council tax and all utilities.

This would remove possibilities for personal gain (or accusations of personal gain), would be simpler and cheaper, and would be fairer as it would be completely in line with the level of accommodation provided to other public servants.

I don't think that their wage is what attracts them, they make more money out if directorships and big business that their position of influence affords them..

And scrap any 2nd home, there should be a halls of residence type of affair to provide a bed for the night and basic business milege for travel - no extra money for food

They can't do that though (halls of residence) as some of their families prefer to live in London and their second home is in their constituency.

Nope, see I don't agree with that part. I think they should be living in their constituency. What's the point of representing the place if you don't live there? Talk about being out of touch!

They have to spend a large part of the week in London, Triggles. If they are married, their spouse might prefer to work in London.

ImperialBlether: see my suggestions above.

The spouse would be perfectly free to prefer to live in London; but there should be no assumption that the taxpayer must foot the bill for that.

Hecate, it was Douglas Adams in Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy:
"Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job."

Nancy66, do you really believe MPs deserve to earn more? Why? I am genuinely puzzled by your take on this.