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Big cuts in AMs expenses proposed Big cuts in AMs expenses proposed
(18 minutes later)
Drastic reductions in the expenses Welsh assembly members can claim have been proposed by an independent panel. Drastic reductions in the expenses Welsh Assembly Members can claim have been proposed by an independent panel.
The panel, chaired by Swansea University Pro-Chancellor Sir Roger Jones, recommends a number of payments related to second homes be abolished. The panel, chaired by Swansea University Pro-chancellor Sir Roger Jones, recommends a number of payments related to second homes be abolished.
Under the plans, AMs would no longer claim mortgage interest on second homes but 25 of the 60 politicians could rent accommodation in Cardiff Bay instead.Under the plans, AMs would no longer claim mortgage interest on second homes but 25 of the 60 politicians could rent accommodation in Cardiff Bay instead.
AMs would also not be able to claim for furniture and fittings on second homes.AMs would also not be able to claim for furniture and fittings on second homes.
The panel spent 11 months investigating the pay and expenses of assembly members. These changes would come into effect after the assembly election in May 2011.
The panel's report, "Getting it Right for Wales", follows a 10 month investigation of the pay and expenses of assembly members.
Its key recommendations include ensuring every expense claimed requires a receipt and 'appropriate documentary evidence'.
The review panel was set up last August to investigate the system
The current link between AM's pay and that of MPs at Westminster would also be broken.
The report argues assembly member's salaries should be increased in line with inflation next year and in future be fixed for each four-year assembly term.
AMs earnings would, under the new system, be linked to changes in average earnings in Wales.
The current 'daily allowance' of £30.65 for days assembly members spend away from their main home would be scrapped "as soon as possible".
After recent controversies over MPs' expenses, a tightening up of AMs' second home allowances was expected.After recent controversies over MPs' expenses, a tightening up of AMs' second home allowances was expected.
Last year AMs claimed more than £230,000 for mortgages and rent, as the expenses' publication online showed.Last year AMs claimed more than £230,000 for mortgages and rent, as the expenses' publication online showed.
They also claimed £4,500 for air travel and nearly £50,000 for meals and subsistence.They also claimed £4,500 for air travel and nearly £50,000 for meals and subsistence.
From October, monthly updates of AMs' expenses will be posted on the assembly's website.From October, monthly updates of AMs' expenses will be posted on the assembly's website.
The review panel was set up last August after AMs were awarded a controversial 8.3% pay rise to recognise their growing workload and law-making responsibilities.The review panel was set up last August after AMs were awarded a controversial 8.3% pay rise to recognise their growing workload and law-making responsibilities.
It's nonsense that somebody who lives within 30 to 40 miles of Cardiff should claim a second home allowance John Elfed Jones Extra responsibilities
More than 20 meetings, two in public, have been held and comparisons have been made with other parliamentary bodies.More than 20 meetings, two in public, have been held and comparisons have been made with other parliamentary bodies.
The panel said the aim was to reward AMs fairly for their work, but with the emphasis on transparency.
Sir Roger Jones angered some AMs in December when he questioned whether they offered value for money.
"We want to get this right - to ensure not only that any new system of pay and allowances is fair, transparent, and recognises and rewards AMs' skills, but also that it provides value for money," said Sir Roger speaking earlier to BBC Radio Wales.
Its recommendations are meant to take into account extra responsibility for AMs as a result of the Government of Wales Act in 2006.Its recommendations are meant to take into account extra responsibility for AMs as a result of the Government of Wales Act in 2006.
At the moment AMs receive an annual salary of £53,108, which is 82% of an MP's salary.At the moment AMs receive an annual salary of £53,108, which is 82% of an MP's salary.
Clear and unambiguous
The additional costs allowance - for second home expenses - currently stands at up to £13,115 for payment of interest-only mortgages and furnishings.The additional costs allowance - for second home expenses - currently stands at up to £13,115 for payment of interest-only mortgages and furnishings.
AMs can also claim up to £15,135 to run their offices.AMs can also claim up to £15,135 to run their offices.
John Elfed Jones, who chaired the group which worked out how the Welsh Assembly should operate when it was set up, warned the new rules would have "to be quite clear and unambiguous and they have to be fair and justifiable or the assembly will lose the trust of the people of Wales".
He said: "It's nonsense that somebody who lives within 30 to 40 miles of Cardiff should claim a second home allowance. It doesn't happen in private industry and it shouldn't happen with out assembly members either."
Glyn Davies, a former AM for Mid and West Wales, and now the Conservative prospective Parliamentary candidate for Montgomeryshire, said: "What we've got to do is restore confidence in politics.
"It's seriously damaged at Westminster but I think it reflects on politicians everywhere. "
MPs expenses have also been published online, but Commons authorities were criticised because many of the details were blacked out.MPs expenses have also been published online, but Commons authorities were criticised because many of the details were blacked out.