MPs to give up gold-plated pensions in return for higher salaries One option suggested by Ipsa is for Parliamentarians who hold other jobs away from the Commons to be paid less than those working full time as an MP. Other ideas include a suggestion that those representing seats areas where the cost of living is lower could receive less, while MPs with a higher level of professional or educational attainment before they enter Parliament might be rewarded financially. Sir Ian said that although the public remained disillusioned with politicians following the expenses scandal, meaning a pay rise for MPs was unlikely to be popular, it was important to create a system which would "work for a generation" rather than an "immediate political fix." He went on: "There is absolutely no doubt that whatever we say will attract opprobrium or at least disquiet from some quarters, whether it be the taxpayer, the media, MPs or the Government. I personally am used to being put under pressure to do things but I am also used to resisting that pressure. We don't want people to stand for Parliament simply because it would be a good way of making a lot of money. Equally it's not in the public interest to have a package of remuneration which people look at and say 'I couldn't possibly afford to go there'. The consultation will also suggest paying long-serving MPs more, and giving a payment of £1,000 to those who lose their seats, in order to help them retrain for a new job. Any change to MPs' pay and pension arrangements would have to be approved by the House of Commons, In the past, Members have been reluctant to back major changes.