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Public Sector Exit Payments (Limitation) Bill

03 March 2023

Proposing MP
Christopher Chope Con
Christchurch
Type
Bill Debate

At a Glance

Issue Summary

Christopher Chope is moving a Bill aimed at limiting public sector exit payments over £95,000, addressing concerns about the lack of progress and implementation since 2015. The statement discusses public concern over high exit payments made in the public sector, particularly highlighting a specific case where a chief executive received £169,000 after eight months of service. Christopher Chope is discussing the Public Sector Exit Payments (Limitation) Bill and its importance in ensuring fair and proportionate payments to public sector workers.

Action Requested

Chope requests that the Government provide a timeline for implementing the policy to limit high exit payments, respond to the consultation issued in August 2022, and clarify how much Sue Gray's exit payment will be. He also calls on the Government to regain control over civil service officials who he believes have been frustrating this policy.

Key Facts

  • The Government resolved to address obscenely high public sector exit payments exceeding £95,000 in 2015.
  • It was estimated that these payments cost taxpayers at least £250 million annually.
  • In February 2021, the regulations were introduced but then revoked due to perceived inappropriateness.
  • A consultation paper titled 'Public Sector Exit Payments: a new controls process for high exit payments' was issued by the Government in August 2022 with no response received as of yet.
  • The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority hired a CEO who received £169,000 in exit payments after eight months.
  • Public sector exit payments total around £1 billion annually.
  • The Government consultation on limiting exit payments closed last year.
  • Christopher Chope secured a Second Reading of the Public Sector Exit Payments (Limitation) Bill.
  • The Prime Minister has pledged to ensure that national debt is falling.
  • Concerns have been raised about overall spending on exit payments and the number of large exit payments made recently.
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