Local Authorities And A Living Wage Policy

Andrew George MP has signed EDM2188. Motion reads: “That this House welcomes the introduction of a Living Wage policy by Brighton and Hove City Council; believes that all workers should be paid a sufficient amount for an acceptable and decent quality of life; notes that currently, for Brighton and Hove employees the minimum hourly rate is 6.62, and the Council proposes to increase this to 7.19 from October 2011; further welcomes the setting up ofa Living Wage Commission for Brighton and Hove to examine the practicalities, opportunities and benefits of establishing a living wage in the city’s public, private and third sectors; further welcomes the backing of the Commission by the Brighton and Hove Chamber of Commerce, local universities, trade unions and the third sector; further notes that KPMG, Barclays, the Olympic Delivery Authority and the Greater London Authority have adopted the Living Wage; further notes that in May 2010 the Prime Minister described the Living Wage as `an idea whose time has come’; and urges all local authorities to introduce a living wage policy.”