Shock, horror.

Michael Martin’s committee of MPs has done the unexpected and come up with a new system of expenses for the Commons.

It is a genuine overhaul.  The sums in question remain the same; up to £24,000.

But:

1] The John Lewis list is dead (MPs will no longer be able to claim for furniture and repairs).

2] MPS in outer London will see their expense allowances halved.

3] There will be more forensic oversight of expenses, all of which - not just from £25 upwards (or £250 until recently) - will have to be declared.

There will still be criticisms.

Here they are: Ministers with grace and favour homes can still claim the allowance for a second home. Central London MPs have had a pay rise of £7,000 recommended. There will be no clocking in and out for MPs. The rules governing husband and wife MPs - both claiming on the same second home - remain up in the air. MPs can still use the allowance to pay mortgage interest instead of rent. Employment of relatives will not change.

Even so: It’s a big change, and should be applauded as - at the very least - a step in the right direction. MPs will vote on the package on July 3.

 ps: The committee did look at combining salaries with expenses (which would look like a pay rise of up to £40,000) but rejected it; contrary to the splash in one Sunday newspaper at the weekend.

June 25th, 2008 in MPs' pay, Uncategorised | Permalink