A WAR of words has broken out between the chairman of the Civil Service Commission and a union boss over claims that a proposed reform of Tynwald members’ pensions will lead to politicians’ pay going up.
Tynwald members are to be consulted over proposals for them to contribute 5 per cent towards their pension. Also under review is the £6,178 tax-free lump sum paid to MHKs and MLCs to cover expenses incurred while carrying out their parliamentary duties.
The plan is for that lump sum to be scrapped but added on as taxable income to the basic salary.
Angela Moffatt, president of the Trade Union Council, told Isle of Man Newspapers this would amount to a pay rise of 17 per cent and branded such a move as ‘outrageous’ at a time when many workers were facing a squeeze on their real incomes.
But this prompted an angry exchange with Alf Cannan, chairman of the Civil Service Commission, who dismissed her claims as ‘ludicrous’ and said the changes would result in a net decrease in pay.
-----------
Read the full story in the Isle of Man Examiner - in shops from this afternoon.
