Have An Opinion On MPs' Expenses Scandal?

---

IPSA seeks views on content and administration of new expenses scheme

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority today launched their consultation on the new system for managing MPs’ expenses.

Established in response to the public outcry following revelations relating to the claims made under the existing expenses and allowances scheme for MPs, the IPSA is seeking views on the content and administration of a new expenses scheme.

It is IPSA's responsibility to determine the new rules, in the light of responses to this consultation.

Any decision taken by the IPSA does not need to be approved by Parliament or anyone else.

The IPSA states that the next Parliament should start with a “completely new system, independently designed and independently administered, and thus untarnished by association with what has gone before.”

“An urgent solution is therefore needed, so that there can be a clean break from the now discredited system of self-regulation. Our aim in the short time available to us is as much as possible to design a system that will last the test of time. This is an opportunity to start afresh, and we are determined to seize this moment and satisfy a wide desire for change.”

The fundamental principles of the new system have already been set in place and include the following points:

1. Members of Parliament should always behave with probity and integrity when making claims on public resources. MPs should be held, and regard themselves, as personally responsible and accountable for expenses incurred, and claims made, and for adherence to these principles as well as to the rules.

2. Members of Parliament have the right to be reimbursed for unavoidable costs where they are incurred wholly, exclusively, and necessarily in the performance of their parliamentary duties, but not otherwise.

3. Members of Parliament must not exploit the system for personal financial advantage, nor to confer an undue advantage on a political organisation.

4. The system must give the public confidence that high standards of honesty and decency will be upheld.

The consultation seeks views on the following topics:

1. Expenses and Allowances

2. Accommodation for MPs including second homes

3. Travel and Subsistence

4. MPs’ Staff and Offices including employing family members

5. and Other Expenses e.g. stationery, advertising of constituency meetings and surgery times etc

The consultation document can be completed online or downloaded and completed in paper format.

The consultation closes on 11 February 2010.

 

January 7, 2010