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Brown wins expenses reform votes Brown wins expenses reform votes
(11 minutes later)
The government has won a series of votes on the surviving parts of Gordon Brown's proposed expenses reforms.The government has won a series of votes on the surviving parts of Gordon Brown's proposed expenses reforms.
During a heated four-hour debate many MPs called for all changes to be left until after the conclusion of an independent inquiry into the system.During a heated four-hour debate many MPs called for all changes to be left until after the conclusion of an independent inquiry into the system.
But plans to stop all claims by London MPs for second homes, for receipts to back up all claims and for details of second job earnings were voted through. But plans to stop claims by London MPs for second homes, for receipts to back up all claims and to publish details of second jobs payments were passed.
Despite concerns, MPs voted for changes to their staff's employment status.Despite concerns, MPs voted for changes to their staff's employment status.
They agreed to make Commons authorities responsible for employing their workers, subject to a review.They agreed to make Commons authorities responsible for employing their workers, subject to a review.
The votes were seen as a key test for Gordon Brown's authority - the day after the government suffered a shock defeat over its policy on the settlement rights of Gurkhas. Gurkha shock
All changes are temporary, as they come ahead of a more thorough review of MPs' expenses by Sir Christopher Kelly's Committee on Standards in Public Life - which will publish its findings later this year.
The votes were seen as a test of the prime minister's authority - a day after the government suffered a shock defeat over its policy on the settlement rights of Gurkhas.
There was disbelief on all sides of the chamber as Commons leader Harriet Harman explained the government's strategy BBC's Ben Wright What were the MPs arguing about? 'Lunacy' attack over MP expenses There was disbelief on all sides of the chamber as Commons leader Harriet Harman explained the government's strategy BBC's Ben Wright What were the MPs arguing about? 'Lunacy' attack over MP expenses
The Commons agreed to give a senior group of MPs, the Members Estimate Committee, the power to amend the Green Book governing rules on MPs' expenses.The Commons agreed to give a senior group of MPs, the Members Estimate Committee, the power to amend the Green Book governing rules on MPs' expenses.
Mr Brown had argued the changes were needed now but many MPs say they should await the results of an independent inquiry. Mr Brown had argued the changes were needed now but many MPs said they should await the results of Sir Christopher's independent inquiry.
But Mr Brown's main proposal for a daily attendance allowance, announced on the Downing Street website the day before the Budget, was dropped three days ago amid widespread opposition. The prime minister's main proposal for a daily attendance allowance, announced on the Downing Street website the day before the Budget, was dropped three days ago amid widespread opposition.
The government also agreed at the start of the debate to remove references in another motion for the independent inquiry to be told to take account of MPs' "attendance at Westminster".The government also agreed at the start of the debate to remove references in another motion for the independent inquiry to be told to take account of MPs' "attendance at Westminster".
Previously all MPs outside inner London could claim the second homes allowance, worth up to £24,000 a year, even if they lived within commuting distance of Westminster.Previously all MPs outside inner London could claim the second homes allowance, worth up to £24,000 a year, even if they lived within commuting distance of Westminster.
Now all MPs representing seats within 20 miles of Parliament will only be entitled to the £7,500 London allowance.Now all MPs representing seats within 20 miles of Parliament will only be entitled to the £7,500 London allowance.
Many MPs, including Labour backbenchers, had raised concerns about plans to change their staff's employment status. But a bid to stop the change failed.Many MPs, including Labour backbenchers, had raised concerns about plans to change their staff's employment status. But a bid to stop the change failed.
However the government has referred the matter to the House of Commons Commission - which is responsible for staff's terms of employment - to consider any "transitional provisions which may be necessary" by 20 October. However, the government has referred the matter to the House of Commons Commission - which is responsible for staff's terms of employment - to consider any "transitional provisions which may be necessary" by 20 October.
Others proposals being voted on now include requiring receipts for all claims. The government won the first vote by 355 to 39 and the second jobs vote by 305 to 31 votes.