Watchdog queries expenses rules

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Parliament's standards watchdog has questioned whether MPs' review of their own expenses system will go far enough to restore public confidence.

Last week Speaker Michael Martin's inquiry recommended a "robust system of scrutiny" on expenses.

But, ahead of an MPs' vote on changes, Sir Christopher Kelly said it did not cover "every aspect of the arrangements which have been questioned".

He welcomed some changes but said MPs must decide if they were "sufficient".

Last week the Members Estimate Committee, chaired by Mr Martin, reported back following their inquiry - which was prompted by revelations about the Tory MP Derek Conway's use of expenses to pay his son.

MPs' vote

Among its recommendations were that MPs should no longer use expenses to buy items like new kitchens, TVs and other household goods.

MPs will also have to provide receipts for all expenses, face spot checks on their claims by the National Audit Office and a full external audit once per Parliament.

We note that, as the report acknowledges, the proposals focus on audit and assurance rather than structural change and that they do not address every aspect of the arrangements which have been questioned Sir Christopher Kelly

The additional costs allowance - used to cover the cost of running a second home - would be replaced by two different allowances amounting to a maximum of £23,800 a year - £206 less than the current limit.

MPs will vote on the recommendations on Thursday.

In a letter to Mr Martin, circulated among MPs, Sir Christopher - chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life - said the committee was pleased with some plans - including tighter auditing of expenses claims and the "implied acceptance of complete transparency".

Public confidence

He described them as "significant steps towards the establishment of the robust regime that MPs and the taxpayer have the right to expect".

Sir Christopher added it must be MPs, in the first instance, who decide "whether the proposals are likely to be sufficient to secure the objective of restoring public confidence".

"But we note that, as the report acknowledges, the proposals focus on audit and assurance rather than structural change and that they do not address every aspect of the arrangements which have been questioned over the last few months," he wrote.

"My committee will therefore want to continue to monitor the position carefully to see whether there are in practice continuing public concerns or clear and obvious deficiencies in the new arrangements or in their implementation."

He has previously questioned the practice of MPs employing relatives paid for with public money - something that the review did not recommend should end, although MPs have begun declaring the relationship.

And he has said he will launch his own inquiry if he is unhappy with the outcome of the MPs' review.