The Queen's Speech passed unamended through the Commons with a majority of 323 to 309.
Labour had proposed an amendment to lift the cap on public sector pay. This would not only seen the pay of frontline staff increase, but also that of high level executives already receiving large salaries. If wages were to rise at a percentage rate then benefits would be disproportionately enjoyed by those on higher wages, at huge expense to the public purse. The Institute for Fiscal Studies has said that lifting the public sector pay cap would cost double the amount that Labour suggested.
The Government has demonstrated its commitment to supporting working families by increasing the tax free allowance, introducing a National Living Wage and doubling the free childcare entitlement. In its drive to make the NHS more sustainable it has targeted consultancy contracts, agency spending and executive pay. However, difficult decisions on pay have had to be made across the board. These decisions have enabled the Government to deliver nearly 12 000 more doctors and 13 000 more nurses, compared with 2010.
Commenting, Caroline said: 'We owe our public servants a huge debt and I would love to have voted in favour of a pay-rise for the men and women that keep us safe, make us well and educate our children. But the proposed amendment wasn't viable, and would have jeopardised vital public services. The present situation will need to be addressed, but there are better ways of doing this, and I am glad that the Prime Minister has indicated her willingness to listen to the recommendations of independent pay review bodies.'