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| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| MP expenses rule changes set out | MP expenses rule changes set out |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| MPs are to be banned from using taxpayers' money to buy new kitchens, televisions and other household goods for their second homes in London. | |
| There will also be tighter checks on how they spend their expenses, the Members Estimate Committee has said. | There will also be tighter checks on how they spend their expenses, the Members Estimate Committee has said. |
| They will still get £24,000 a year tax-free for living away from home but are banned from spending it on furniture and home improvements. | |
| MPs are due to debate and vote on the proposals next week. | MPs are due to debate and vote on the proposals next week. |
| The proposals would spell the end of the so-called "John Lewis" list - used by Commons officials to determine whether an expenditure claim submitted by an MP is reasonable. | The proposals would spell the end of the so-called "John Lewis" list - used by Commons officials to determine whether an expenditure claim submitted by an MP is reasonable. |
| The Additional Cost Allowance would be replaced by an overnight expenses allowance of £19,600 a year for accommodation. | The Additional Cost Allowance would be replaced by an overnight expenses allowance of £19,600 a year for accommodation. |
| External audit | External audit |
| They would also be given £30 a day subsistence allowance without receipts, up to a maximum of £4,600 every year. | They would also be given £30 a day subsistence allowance without receipts, up to a maximum of £4,600 every year. |
| But they would have to provide receipts for all other expenses from 1 April next year. At the moment they can claim for items up to £25 without receipts. | But they would have to provide receipts for all other expenses from 1 April next year. At the moment they can claim for items up to £25 without receipts. |
| The conclusions came in a long-awaited report from the Members Estimates Committee, which has been considering how to restore public trust in MPs' expenses after a string of scandals. | The conclusions came in a long-awaited report from the Members Estimates Committee, which has been considering how to restore public trust in MPs' expenses after a string of scandals. |
| At least one in five MPs would face "spot checks" on their expenses claims to be carried out by the National Audit Office. | At least one in five MPs would face "spot checks" on their expenses claims to be carried out by the National Audit Office. |
| And there would be full external audit of all MPs' expenses once a Parliament. | And there would be full external audit of all MPs' expenses once a Parliament. |
| The committee said: "Our overriding conclusion is that we must introduce a robust system of scrutiny for parliamentary allowances as a matter of urgency in order to build public confidence. | The committee said: "Our overriding conclusion is that we must introduce a robust system of scrutiny for parliamentary allowances as a matter of urgency in order to build public confidence. |
| "We recommend that, with immediate effect, Members should no longer be able to claim reimbursement for furniture and household goods or for capital improvements." | "We recommend that, with immediate effect, Members should no longer be able to claim reimbursement for furniture and household goods or for capital improvements." |