08/05/09 - MPs Expenses

As Labour make a pigs ear of MP expenses, below is our proposals to clean up the sorry mess.

• We have made it clear all along that that there needs to be reform of MPs' expenses. MPs should not determine their own pay and allowances and there needs to be a reduction in the things for which MPs can claim.
  
• It is right that every MP should justify what they have claimed and how they have complied with the rules.
  
  
  WHAT WE'VE BEEN CALLING FOR:
  
• We need a solution which is transparent, costs less than the current arrangements, and restores faith in the political process.
  
• Transparent Parliamentary Allowance: We would replace the current second homes allowance with a Transparent Parliamentary Allowance - as an interim measure until the independent Committee on Public Standards report. The allowa nce would be lower than current levels. 
  
• Those living in Greater London / 20 miles / within reasonable distance would not be able to claim.
  
• MPs who co-habit could only claim once.
  
• Mandatory annual public declarations by MPs justifying designation of primary and additional home (including all relevant details - i.e. parents'/family home).
  
• Claims and receipts. Claims could only be made for rent, utility bills, council tax and mortgage interest payments, subject to a new cap. MPs would not be able to claim for stamp duty, TV bills, furniture or decorations. All claims and receipts must be published online within 28 days. Receipts would be required for all claims. 
  
•  Reducing the cost of politics. We also want to abolish the communications allowance - worth £10,000 - and reduce the number of MPs. 
  
• No more unnecessary allowances. We will no longer allow Ministers with grace-and-favour residences to claim the second home allowance. If elected, David Cameron has pledged that no Conservative member with a grace-and-favour residence in London - including himself - will be able to claim the second homes allowance.
  
• Employment. MPs' staff should be employed centrally by the House of Commons.
  
• Second jobs. We want greater transparency on remuneration from second jobs and tighter controls on ex-Ministers taking jobs.
  
• Auditing. We are also calling for independent spot-checks and audits of expenses.