DUMBARTON and the Vale’s MP has bid to donate any extra salary he receives from a proposed pay rise to local groups and organisations.

In the coming weeks, MPs will receive a 10 per cent pay rise – despite some protests from the SNP party.

This week, the Reporter asked the SNP’s Martin Docherty, MP for West Dunbartonshire, whether or not he would be accepting the additional renumeration.

He said: “Many of my constituents are being forced deeper and deeper into poverty by this Tory government and public sector workers are being asked to accept small, below inflation pay rises to help balance the books.

“It is for every individual MP to decide what is appropriate for them to do but I could not in good conscience accept a huge 10 per cent pay increase.

“The details are still being worked out and as the year progresses I’ll keep people up to date, but I can confirm that if I am forced to receive extra money in my take home pay, I will be donating it to local community groups and good causes.” MPs’ pay will rise by 10 per cent, from £67,060 to £74,000.