As we are all suffering the effects of the harsh economic climate and we are “all in it together”, perhaps regional pay could be considered for MPs? (“Chancellor stokes union fury by signalling end to national pay,” 2 December).

Even though it may create a NorthSouth divide in Parliament, in some regions, the expense of running an office, employing staff and accommodation is considerably less than in others.

Local supply and demand could also be considered. Why should an MP elected from a field of only four or five candidates receive the same pay as one elected from a much wider field of, say, 10 similarly able candidates who could perform the job?

Tony Mills, Semi-retired languages tutor, Stockton-on-Tees.