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Review of MLAs' expenses system Review of MLAs' expenses system
(20 minutes later)
The guidance given to MLAs on allowances is to be reviewed by the Assembly Commission. The guidance given to MLAs on expenses and allowances is to be reviewed by the Assembly Commission.
It follows a report by the Senior Salaries Review Body in December.It follows a report by the Senior Salaries Review Body in December.
The commission has also decided to publish more details about MLAs' individual claims starting this financial year. The commission, a cross party body, has also decided to publish more details about MLAs' individual claims, starting this financial year.
The Assembly speaker, William Hay, said it wanted to ensure that the Assembly is "open, transparent and demonstrates value for money".The Assembly speaker, William Hay, said it wanted to ensure that the Assembly is "open, transparent and demonstrates value for money".
"Our goal is to have in place a model of best practice which is effective in supporting MLAs in their important work on behalf of the community and which commands public confidence." The decision to publish more details of expenses claims will bring the assembly closer to the position of the Scottish Parliament where all claims, no matter how small, are made public on an internet database.
MLAs' receive allowances for office costs, staff and mileage. Around £8m is claimed every year. Westminster is also due to adopt a similar system.
The commission's review will focus on the Members' Financial Services Handbook. The handbook provides guidance for MLAs in respect of Office Cost Allowance, mileage and subsistence.