STROUD MP Neil Carmichael has criticised plans to award MPs an 11 per cent pay rise branding it 'wholly inappropriate'.

Parliamentary watchdog Ipsa is set to recommend a rise of £7,600 to £74,000, to come in after the 2015 election.

The rise is part of a package of changes to MPs' salary and benefits which would also see some allowances scrapped.

Mr Carmichael said: "My view is that we shouldn't be having this rise.

"I think it is disproportionate and wholly inappropriate.

"The timing is appalling as we have been busy trying to restore the economy."

MPs currently earn a basic salary of £66,396 but the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority is expected to say on Thursday that their pay has fallen behind in recent years and a substantial 'one-off' rise is justified.

Other changes include an increase in the amount that MPs have to contribute to their pensions, taxpayer-funded taxis only being permitted after 11pm and the scrapping of a £15 dinner allowance and claims for tea and biscuits.

There would also be a crackdown on claims made for running second homes.