Golden Goodbyes
At a time when most people are having to tighten their belts - Scotland's MSPs are preparing to award themselves 'golden goodbyes' worth up to £57,520 - from the public purse.
The payments are desinged to help politicians return to life outside of Holyrood - and mean that the maximum payment of a year's salary (£57,520) is made after 12 years - rather than 15 years service.
Also the minmum payment of £28,760 is now due to be paid after 6 years - rather than 10 years service.
At first glance, the notion that MSPs should be entitled to a 'resettlement grant' - sounds quite reasonable - because it's meant to help them adjust to a new life - following a period of public service.
But what if the MSP is stepping down because they are retiring altogether - why do they need another £57,520 from the public purse - if they are also entitled to their MSP pension?
What if they're stepping down voluntarily to pursue some other career - why do they need a big cash handout from the taxpayer?
In the real world - if workers take advantage of a generous voluntary severance package - the cost is covered by making savings elsewhere - so there is an overall benefit to the organisation picking up the bill.
Yet all these departing MSPs will have to be replaced - so where's the saving to the public purse?
The Scottish Parliament would do well to re-visit and re-think these proposals.
Because the case for such across the board increases looks to be deeply flawed - and in the present economic climate - they simply cannot be justified.
The payments are desinged to help politicians return to life outside of Holyrood - and mean that the maximum payment of a year's salary (£57,520) is made after 12 years - rather than 15 years service.
Also the minmum payment of £28,760 is now due to be paid after 6 years - rather than 10 years service.
At first glance, the notion that MSPs should be entitled to a 'resettlement grant' - sounds quite reasonable - because it's meant to help them adjust to a new life - following a period of public service.
But what if the MSP is stepping down because they are retiring altogether - why do they need another £57,520 from the public purse - if they are also entitled to their MSP pension?
What if they're stepping down voluntarily to pursue some other career - why do they need a big cash handout from the taxpayer?
In the real world - if workers take advantage of a generous voluntary severance package - the cost is covered by making savings elsewhere - so there is an overall benefit to the organisation picking up the bill.
Yet all these departing MSPs will have to be replaced - so where's the saving to the public purse?
The Scottish Parliament would do well to re-visit and re-think these proposals.
Because the case for such across the board increases looks to be deeply flawed - and in the present economic climate - they simply cannot be justified.
