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MPs face tougher receipts rules MPs face tougher receipts rules
(about 5 hours later)
The amount of expenses MPs can claim without a receipt is to be cut from £250 to £25 from 1 April.The amount of expenses MPs can claim without a receipt is to be cut from £250 to £25 from 1 April.
The Commons Members Estimates Committee ruled out demanding proof over smaller claims, as MPs often use cash on items "for which receipts are not given".The Commons Members Estimates Committee ruled out demanding proof over smaller claims, as MPs often use cash on items "for which receipts are not given".
It also said the amount of petty cash MPs can use for office expenses would be reduced from £250 to £50 per month.It also said the amount of petty cash MPs can use for office expenses would be reduced from £250 to £50 per month.
The committee promised the new limits would be "underpinned by a more robust regime for audit".The committee promised the new limits would be "underpinned by a more robust regime for audit".
FiguresFigures
The review, set up and chaired by Commons Speaker Michael Martin, said it had considered three figures when reducing the limit on expenses without a receipt: £100, £50 and £25.The review, set up and chaired by Commons Speaker Michael Martin, said it had considered three figures when reducing the limit on expenses without a receipt: £100, £50 and £25.
In its interim report, it said: "We have heard from Members from all sides of the House that they already submit receipts with their claims.In its interim report, it said: "We have heard from Members from all sides of the House that they already submit receipts with their claims.
We have considered whether the threshold should be zero but ruled it out for practical reasons Commons Members Estimate Committee Guide to MPs' expenses We have considered whether the threshold should be zero but ruled it out for practical reasons Commons Members Estimate Committee Guide to MPs' expenses class="" href="/1/hi/scotland/7289474.stm">MSPs' home allowance 'should end'
"Members have also spoken of their experience in previous jobs outside the House which suggest that in other occupations all receipts would be submitted with claims or certainly for all claims over £25.""Members have also spoken of their experience in previous jobs outside the House which suggest that in other occupations all receipts would be submitted with claims or certainly for all claims over £25."
It added: "We have considered whether the threshold should be zero but ruled it out for practical reasons. It said a "zero" threshold was ruled out for practical reasons as MPs often incurred "small costs" paid in cash for which receipts were not given while working between Westminster and their constituencies.
"Members working both in the constituency and at the House and travelling between the two do incur small costs which are normally paid in cash and for which receipts are not given." And the committee said, as some MPs already submitted receipts for items under £250, the new checks should be "feasible" although a "modest increase" in administrative staff may be necessary.
The committee said it was "determined to establish audit controls which command public confidence". Spot checks
The committee also said it was "determined to establish audit controls which command public confidence".
Some MPs had suggested a system of random spot-checks "for checking the money has been spent on the purpose intended", it added.Some MPs had suggested a system of random spot-checks "for checking the money has been spent on the purpose intended", it added.
The committee will hold discussions with the National Audit Office, accountancy firms, HM Revenue & Customs and the Audit Commission "to establish what is the most practical and effective arrangement". I think in this day and age, it's just not really a sensible situation for MPs to be buying television sets and washing machines with taxpayers' expenses Nick Harvey MP
MPs are also allowed to claim up to £400 a month without receipts for food bought while staying away from their main home. Proposals for increased checks are due to be published by the end of March, following discussions with the National Audit Office, accountancy firms, HM Revenue & Customs and the Audit Commission.
This is expected to be dealt with when the committee publishes its full report on reforming expenses this summer. The new rules on receipts do not cover the £400 a month MPs can claim without receipts, for food bought while away from their main home using their Additional Costs Allowance (ACA).
That is expected to be dealt with when the committee publishes its full report on reforming expenses this summer.
Liberal Democrat MP Nick Harvey, who is on both the Members Estimates Committee and the Standards and Privileges Committee which is holding its own inquiry into MPs' expenses, said the ACA should be scrapped and MPs should be paid more instead.
He told the BBC: "I think in this day and age, it's just not really a sensible situation for MPs to be buying television sets and washing machines with taxpayers' expenses.
"It really does look very anachronistic in 2008 and I think we've got to accept that that system belongs to a bygone era."
And the shadow Commons leader Theresa May, said the interim report was a sign that the Commons was making changes. She told the BBC: ''We recognise the degree of disquiet externally on this issue and are willing to take moves.''
Prime Minister Gordon Brown's spokesman said: "The prime minister welcomes any steps towards greater transparency in MPs' expenses."