Holyrood committee conveners to get 20% pay rise worth around £15,500
The Scottish Parliament Corporate Body unanimously backed the uplift for the 16 MSPs who chair committees. The plans still need Parliament's approval.
A committee room at the Scottish Parliament. Sixteen MSPs who chair committees are set to receive extra pay. · Photograph: Scottish Government (CC BY 2.0)
MSPs who chair Holyrood's committees are set to receive a 20% pay rise to reflect the extra responsibilities of the role.
Following a unanimous decision by the Scottish Parliament Corporate Body, committee conveners will receive an increase of 20% of their existing salary. In total, 16 MSPs who chair committees stand to benefit from the uplift of around £15,500.
From £77,711 to £93,253
The current basic salary for an MSP is £77,711. With a 20% uplift, conveners would earn £93,253 – still below the basic salary for MPs at Westminster.
The idea was put forward earlier this year by Presiding Officer Kenneth Gibson to reflect the "significant additional demands" some MSPs take on.
Scotland is the only one of the four UK nations whose parliament does not currently pay extra for greater responsibility.
"At the heart of what we do"
In a letter to conveners confirming the decision, Mr 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."
He added: "I am acutely aware from my own experience however, of the additional demands that come with these positions."
Still needs approval
The plans will now be subject to Parliament's approval, and Mr Gibson has suggested further reforms could follow.
Why it matters
Committees scrutinise legislation and hold ministers to account, and conveners chair evidence sessions, set agendas and steer inquiries – such as the Criminal Justice Committee's current probe into e-bike and e-scooter crime.