The gold-plated pensions enjoyed by MPs could end up costing taxpayers more than twice the sum originally thought, it has been claimed.
According to the House of Commons annual report, the public may have to foot the bill for more than a third of the cost of the generous final salary payouts - double the official estimate.
The revelation came as MPs prepared to vote on an inflation-busting pay increase for themselves.
The MPs themselves make a contribution of 9.5 per cent.
Enraged campaigners accused MPs of setting themselves up at the head of a public-sector "pensions aristocracy".
Ros Altmann of the Pensions Action Group said: "MPs in the past have voted themselves the most generous pensions of just about anywhere in the world.
"There must be one or two top directors who have voted themselves something more generous but that's about it."
**Next time you hear an MP bleating on about some evil capitalist fat cat, remind him or her of their own cost to the nation. Unlike business people who earn their money, the MP is on the public payroll.
Matthew Elliott, chief executive of the TaxPayers' Alliance, said: "Making the taxpayer foot the bill for unrealistic pensions is unfair and it has got to stop."
Campaigners said the high pensions meant MPs should not enjoy inflation-busting pay rises because they were in effect getting huge pay rises deferred until they retire.
Next week an independent pay review body - the Senior Salaries Review Body - is expected to say MPs should receive a rise of 2.8 per cent - above the rate of inflation.
Gordon Brown has called on his party to reject the rise and Tory leader David Cameron has instructed his frontbenchers to vote for lower rises.
But MPs from all parties are reported to be preparing to vote in favour of 2.8 per cent.
Add to this cost the expenses that MP's claim from us taxpayers. which is here on this link. For the year 2006/07. They average £100,000+ pounds each in expenses.
A total cost to us all of £87 million a year in expenses alone.
They work a mere 34 weeks a year, plus get a cushy pension at the end of their "service"
Plus they receive a whopping 91 days paid holidays a year.
Add to that the fact that damn near 70% of our laws now come via Europe and one has to ask why MP's salaries are not being reduced by 70%?
From 22nd September 2007 to 8th January 2008, in a mere 5 months alone the EU has passed 452 laws which will impact on the UK.
Tags: New Labour, Cyclops, Cool Britannia, Politics, amoral cunts
2 people have spoken:
Who says crime doesn't pay.
It does under New Labour.
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