Carmichael slams Government response to pay rises for Maritime and Coastguard Agency management (Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats)

Aberdeen South & North Kincardine Liberal Democrats <info@aberdeensouthlibdems.org.uk>

Carmichael slams Government response to pay rises for Maritime and Coastguard Agency management

October 21, 2009 1:05 PM
Originally published by Scottish Liberal Democrats

Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael today during transport questions in the House of Commons asked Ministers whether they think it is acceptable that over the last year senior management and board members within the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) received on average a 15% pay increase whilst those on the frontline received an average 1% increase. Alistair Carmichael MP: Orkney & Shetland

Analysis of this year's MCA annual report shows a 7.6% increase in the chief executive's salary from £127,000 in 2007/08 to £137,400 in 2008/09. Executive board members saw increases with directors receiving rises of approximately 15%.

Speaking in the House of Common Chamber Mr. Carmichael said;

"Can I urge the Shipping Minister to have an urgent look at the question of pay within the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA), last year senior managers were given an average increase of 15% compared to frontline staff getting 1%, surely that is not acceptable?"

Replying Parliamentary under Secretary of State for Transport, Paul Clark MP said;

"Certainly in terms of the MCA I have regular meetings. The issue is that there has been a reduction in the number of directors and a change in the provisions, but obviously we are concerned to ensure that all public sector expenditure is in accordance with agreement and of course is value for money and is delivering the requirements we need in this case through the MCA".

Commenting after his exchange in the House of Commons, Mr Carmichael said;

"In eight and a half years in Parliament, I have asked a lot of questions and had some pretty poor replies. Few have been as poor and meaningless as this one. Last year morale in the coastguard reached such a low point that staff eventually took industrial action. There grievances remain unresolved and the news that those at the top of the organisation are being so handsomely rewarded will come as a kick in the teeth to some of our most important frontline emergency staff."

Frontline staff within the MCA start on salaries as low as £14,000.