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Brown wins expenses reform votes Brown wins expenses reform votes
(about 1 hour 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 claims by London MPs for second homes, for receipts to back up all claims and to publish details of second jobs payments were passed. But plans were passed to stop claims by London MPs for second homes, for receipts to back up all claims and to publish details of second job payments.
Despite concerns, MPs voted for changes to their staff's employment status. Mr Brown said they were the "biggest changes in 25 years" to expenses.
They agreed to make Commons authorities responsible for employing their workers, subject to a review. Despite concerns, MPs also agreed to make the Commons authorities responsible for employing their workers, subject to a review.
Gurkha shockGurkha 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.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.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 said they should await the results of Sir Christopher's independent inquiry. Mr Brown had argued the changes were needed immediately but many MPs said they should await the results of Sir Christopher's independent inquiry.
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 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 Commons 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.
After the votes, Mr Brown said: "Since I've been in the House of Commons these are the major changes, the biggest changes I've seen over these 25 years."