Jersey politicians get £800 pay rise

Constable Gallichan said members could always ask to have their pay reduced

Politicians in Jersey will be getting an £800 pay rise in 2011 after a review body rejected calls to re-consider the rise.

The amount States members are paid is decided by an independent group of people.

The assembly voted to ask them to reconsider the suggested pay rise, given the recession and budget cuts.

But the States members remuneration body decided that members should get the rise.

The increase will bring members pay up to almost £45,000 a year.

Constable Juliette Gallichan, who was tasked with approaching the group, said if members did not want the money they could always ask the treasury to pay them less.

She said: "It is entirely a matter for each member to decide whether he or she wishes to draw the £800 increase from 1 January 2011.

"If any member feels it is inappropriate to take the full sum available at any time, all that is required is for the member concerned to write to the States Treasury and indicate the amount of the less annual sum that he or she wishes to receive."