Delivering a Citizens' Forum on MPs' pay and funding
The challenge
Trust in UK politics and democratic institutions is at historic lows. For the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA), the question of how we pay and fund our MPs wasn’t simply about ensuring value for public money - it was about how we value democracy itself.
IPSA recognised that public debates on MPs’ pay often reflect frustration with the wider political system, rather than the details of the money itself. The challenge was how to create a genuinely informed and constructive conversation - one that could move beyond cynicism and help rebuild trust between citizens and institutions.
Our approach
To meet this challenge, IPSA partnered with New Citizen Project to design and deliver the first-ever Citizens’ Forum on MPs’ Pay and Funding. Over six online sessions, we brought together a representative group of 23 people from across the UK to deliberate on the question:
“How should MPs be paid and funded to best support our democracy?”
With the support of an independent advisory group, participants heard from 12 expert speakers, discussed ideas in small groups, and worked together to develop shared principles and recommendations. The process was carefully designed to be balanced, open and reflective, allowing members to explore both what sits within IPSA’s remit and the wider democratic system they want to see.
“The Forum put a mix of people together, shared a range of evidence and invited discussion. In return not only did everyone in the group listen and put forward reasonable arguments, I saw one person actually change his view to be more inclusive as a result. I wish all of public life could be like this.” - Forum Member
Throughout, our design and facilitation ensured that every voice was heard, that disagreement remained respectful, and that insights were faithfully captured for IPSA’s future consideration.
Impact and learning
Citizens repaid the trust placed in them. Even on a topic as contentious as MPs’ pay, discussions remained respectful, thoughtful and solutions-focused. The recommendations offer constructive challenge and practical ways forward - while also recognising what’s already working.
Understanding deepened and perspectives shifted. Before the Forum, 65% of members thought MPs were paid too much; after deliberation, 67% felt pay was about right. What changed was understanding: members came to see that funding, rather than pay alone, is the key lever for improving accountability and supporting a healthier democracy.
Citizens want more participation. Every single participant said they would take part again. As one member put it: “this is what democracy should look like”.
The Forum’s recommendations were launched in September 2025. The report includes a Forum Statement, nine Principles to guide IPSA’s future decisions, and six Areas for Change across staffing, technology, participation, accountability, party independence and representation.
For IPSA, these recommendations offer a strong foundation for future decisions and a model for deepening citizen engagement. For democracy more broadly, the Forum shows what’s possible when institutions open up and invite citizens in.
“In a climate of declining trust and growing belief that average people’s voices aren’t listened to, opening up conversations like this isn’t a nice-to-do, it’s a route to tackling intractable challenges, building legitimacy and reaching better outcomes.” - Anna Maria Hosford, Strategy Partner, New Citizen Project
The Citizens’ Forum marks the start, not the end, of this journey. There are real opportunities for IPSA to act on the recommendations, convene others around themes of accountability, modernisation and participation, and continue involving citizens in shaping the future of our democracy.