House of Commons Members’ Fund

Baroness Laing of Elderslie Excerpts

Monday 29th April 2024 Commons Chamber

[Sir Charles Walker (Broxbourne) (Con)]

Madam Deputy Speaker, may I briefly speak as a member of the Members’ Fund? Would that be in order?

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing)]

That is perfectly in order.

[Sir Charles Walker]

Thank you very much, Madam Deputy Speaker.

As we can all see from the Order Paper, the increase is very moderate. The sum deducted from our salaries on a monthly basis goes towards the Members’ Fund, which is distributed on occasions to former Members and their dependants who are in straitened times. It is a hugely important fund and is staffed by amazing officers of the House, who also staff the parliamentary contributory pension fund. We are very grateful for their support and for the support of trustees.

The only thing I would say—I hope I do not put myself in contest with other trustees—is that the sum taken from our monthly salary is still very small. At some stage in the very near future, it should be incumbent on this House to look at a more generous monthly contribution from Members. A figure of perhaps £10 would not be too onerous on Members, but it would certainly help the Members’ Fund to support many former colleagues of all parties who, through illness or just bad luck, find themselves struggling once they are no longer in this place.

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Dame Eleanor Laing)]

The hon. Gentleman has spoken for the whole House.

Question agreed to.

Speaker’s Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority

Motion made, and Question Proposed,

That, in pursuance of paragraph 2A of Schedule 3 of the Parliamentary Standards Act 2009, Ms Tina Fahm be appointed as a lay member of the Speaker’s Committee for the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority for a period of five years from 6 May 2024 to 4 May 2029.—(Penny Mordaunt.)

Question agreed to.