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/8058526.stm

The article has changed 5 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
MPs face cap on mortgage claims MPs face cap on mortgage claims
(10 minutes later)
"Robust" interim reforms to the MPs' expenses system have been announced by Commons Speaker Michael Martin. Mortgage interest and rent claims will be capped at £1,250 per month under interim reforms to MPs' expenses, Speaker Michael Martin has said.
He said all parties had agreed on an immediate ban on second homes claims for furniture, cleaning and stamp duty.He said all parties had agreed on an immediate ban on second homes claims for furniture, cleaning and stamp duty.
Mortgage interest and rent claims will also be capped at £1,250 per month under the measures, he added. Additionally, MPs will not be allowed to "flip" the designation of their second home during 2009/10.
The statement came hours after Mr Martin announced he would step down amid pressure over his handling of the expenses issue. The statement came after Mr Martin said he would step down amid pressure over his handling of the expenses issue.
Mr Martin told the Commons that the "fundamental reform" of allowances would result in the system shifting from self-regulation to regulation by an independent body.
He said all parties were now committed to accepting the recommendations from Sir Christopher Kelly's Committee on Standards in Public Life, provided they met certain tests.
"We have today agreed a robust set of interim measures which will take effect at once and do not pre-empt any more substantial changes to be put forward by the Kelly Committee," he added.