MPs asked to vote against 1% pay increase next year

The government is asking MPs to forego the 1% pay rise that has been recommended for them next year.

Commons leader Sir George Young says MPs will be asked to reject the rise "in the light of" the imposition of a two year pay freeze for public sector workers earning over £21,000.

The 1% rise in 2011-2012 for MPs was recommended by the independent Senior Salaries Review Body.

MPs are currently paid a salary of £65,738.

There was controversy last year after MPs were awarded a 1.5% pay rise - at the height of the scandal over parliamentary expenses - although some MPs chose not to accept the increase.

Sir George said he would ask MPs to block this year's recommended increase - by putting forward a resolution in the House of Commons.

The government is freezing the pay of all public sector workers paid less than £21,000 for two years from April - affecting 1.7 million workers.

All ministers have agreed to take a 5% cut in their salaries this year - which will then be frozen for the rest of Parliament.

But the latest move is likely to anger some MPs, many of whom are unhappy with the expenses system put in place after last year's election.

Since MPs gave up responsibility for setting their own pay in 2008, recommended pay rises take effect automatically.

But in a written statement to the Commons, Sir George said he would intervene to stop it coming into force.

"The government supports the independent determination of Members' remuneration," Sir George said.

"However, in light of the decision to impose a two-year pay freeze on all public sector workers earning more than £21,000 per annum, a motion will be brought forward to invite the House to rescind the 2008 resolution, so that the 1% pay increase will not take effect."