This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/uk_politics/7467752.stm
The article has changed 3 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 0 | Version 1 |
|---|---|
| MP grant 'may replace home cash' | MP grant 'may replace home cash' |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| MPs may get an annual housing grant worth £24,000 in return for dropping their current second homes allowance, a newspaper has reported. | MPs may get an annual housing grant worth £24,000 in return for dropping their current second homes allowance, a newspaper has reported. |
| The Sunday Times says the move would see MPs avoid the scrutiny that comes with submitting individual receipts for the running costs of their properties. | The Sunday Times says the move would see MPs avoid the scrutiny that comes with submitting individual receipts for the running costs of their properties. |
| At present MPs can claim up to £23,000 a year to run a second residence, usually based in their constituency. | At present MPs can claim up to £23,000 a year to run a second residence, usually based in their constituency. |
| The Members Estimate Committee of six MPs will make its recommendations soon. | The Members Estimate Committee of six MPs will make its recommendations soon. |
| According to the paper, the suggestion is one of three options to be put before MPs after a review of parliamentary expenses by the committee, which is chaired by Commons Speaker Michael Martin. | According to the paper, the suggestion is one of three options to be put before MPs after a review of parliamentary expenses by the committee, which is chaired by Commons Speaker Michael Martin. |
| Attendance incentive | Attendance incentive |
| If the committee goes with the flat payment scheme, then the housing grant would be worth £24,000 after tax, on top of the current £61,820 salary for MPs. | If the committee goes with the flat payment scheme, then the housing grant would be worth £24,000 after tax, on top of the current £61,820 salary for MPs. |
| Another alternative would also be to introduce a housing award with a £24,000 ceiling, but calculate individual payments according to an MP's attendance at the Commons. | Another alternative would also be to introduce a housing award with a £24,000 ceiling, but calculate individual payments according to an MP's attendance at the Commons. |
| The third potential solution would be to tighten the scrutiny of the existing system, whereby MPs submit individual receipts to the Commons expenses department before they are reimbursed. | The third potential solution would be to tighten the scrutiny of the existing system, whereby MPs submit individual receipts to the Commons expenses department before they are reimbursed. |
| If the flat-grant route is adopted then the typical MP would be £4,500 a year better off. | If the flat-grant route is adopted then the typical MP would be £4,500 a year better off. |
| That is because the current average claim under the existing system of "additional costs allowance" (ACA) is £19,500. | That is because the current average claim under the existing system of "additional costs allowance" (ACA) is £19,500. |
| The MEC's recommendations will be published soon and discussed in the House of Commons on 3 July. | The MEC's recommendations will be published soon and discussed in the House of Commons on 3 July. |
| A Freedom of Information request by the BBC forced the Commons Commission earlier this year to reveal the additional cost allowances claimed by six MPs in 2003/04. | |
| Kitchen claim | Kitchen claim |
| MPs' expenses were criticised earlier this year when the so-called "John Lewis list" of household items that MPs can purchase was published. | MPs' expenses were criticised earlier this year when the so-called "John Lewis list" of household items that MPs can purchase was published. |
| Under the ACA system, not only can MPs use the £23,000 limit to claim expenses towards paying the mortgage or rent on second flats or houses, but they can also use it to claim towards the costs of upkeep and refurbishment. | Under the ACA system, not only can MPs use the £23,000 limit to claim expenses towards paying the mortgage or rent on second flats or houses, but they can also use it to claim towards the costs of upkeep and refurbishment. |
| When the Commons was forced to disclose the cash limits for these other expenses, the list was found to include allowances for items such as £10,000 towards a kitchens and £6,000 towards a bathroom. | When the Commons was forced to disclose the cash limits for these other expenses, the list was found to include allowances for items such as £10,000 towards a kitchens and £6,000 towards a bathroom. |
| The current allowance system also allows for MPs to spend £400 a month on shopping without receipts. | The current allowance system also allows for MPs to spend £400 a month on shopping without receipts. |