As Parliamentary review aims to restore public's confidence
In a bid to restore public’s confidence in the way taxes are used, a review of Parliamentary allowances is expected set out strict new guidelines for what MPs are allowed to claim expenses for.
The review, carried out by the Members Estimate Committee, is expected to stop London MPs, whose constituencies are within easy commute from Westminster, from claiming disproportionate expenses for their second homes.
Although MPs will continue receiving £24,000 a year tax-free for living away from home but will be prohibited from spending the money on furniture and home improvements thus bringing an end to the "John Lewis" list.
They will also receive £30 a day subsistence allowance without receipts, up to a maximum of £4,600 every year however, they would have to provide receipts for all other expenses from 1st April 2009.
The long-awaited review comes after a series of MPs expense scandals a number of which have involved Brentford & Isleworth MP Ann Keen and her husband and fellow MP Alan Keen the most recent of which focused on an alleged expense claim for insuring each other's lives.
The publication of these expense claims and those of 13 other MPs followed a three year battle by Speaker of the House, Michael Martin, costing over £200,000 to prevent them being disclosed under the Freedom of Information Act.
MPs are due to debate and vote on the Members Estimate Committee proposals next week
June 25, 2008