Commons Sense

House of Commons · Bill Debate

Public Sector Exit Payments (Limitation) Bill

03 March 2023 · 3 other contributors

Opened by Christopher Chope Con Christchurch

Taxation

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Christopher Chope raised concerns about public sector exit payments (limitation) bill in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The Public Sector Exit Payments (Limitation) Bill aims to restrict exit payments in the public sector over 95,000.
  • The bill seeks to address a practice costing taxpayers over 1 billion annually.
  • No significant progress has been made since 2015 on implementing such restrictions despite previous government commitments.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Christopher Chope Con Christchurch

I move that the Public Sector Exit Payments (Limitation) Bill be read a Second time. The bill aims to restrict public sector exit payments in excess of £95,000 and end the practice which has cost taxpayers over £1 billion annually. Despite previous commitments from the Government since 2015, there has been no significant progress on implementing such restrictions.

Other contributors (3)
  • James Wild Con North West Norfolk

    Supports the bill and highlights the BBC's voluntary cap of £150,000. Notes that over £127 million was paid out by the BBC in severance payments over two years, with 430 payments between £100,000 to £150,000. Urges the Government to respond to the consultation published last August and implement measures.

  • Anthony Browne

    Endorses the bill as addressing a significant issue of public concern due to high exit payments in both national government and local authorities. Emphasises the personal incentive for senior civil servants to maintain generous exit payment regimes. Supports the £95,000 cap and urges implementation.

  • Sally-Ann Hart

    Supports the merit of the bill in securing value for money for taxpayers. Acknowledges the Government's efforts to reduce large exit payments but calls for a rigorous process and accountability. Requests an update on the outcome of the consultation closed in October 2022.

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