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MP mortgage claims 'to be banned' | MP mortgage claims 'to be banned' |
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MPs will be banned from claiming the cost of mortgage payments on their second homes under proposals being put forward, sources have told the BBC. | |
It is understood the Kelly committee, which has been reviewing MPs' expenses, will recommend that MPs will only be able to rent second homes in future. | It is understood the Kelly committee, which has been reviewing MPs' expenses, will recommend that MPs will only be able to rent second homes in future. |
It is also expected to recommend that MPs will not be able to employ family members in the future. | It is also expected to recommend that MPs will not be able to employ family members in the future. |
It is understood the changes will be phased in over five years. | It is understood the changes will be phased in over five years. |
Allowances cut | |
Sir Christopher Kelly, who was asked by Gordon Brown to suggest proposed reforms to the discredited system of MPs' expenses, is due to publish his report on 4 November. | |
The BBC understands that the committee will also recommend that MPs living within commuting distance of London will not be able to claim money towards a second home. | The BBC understands that the committee will also recommend that MPs living within commuting distance of London will not be able to claim money towards a second home. |
MPs representing London constituencies are likely to see their allowances considerably reduced as well. | |
BBC political correspondent Laura Kuenssberg said the proposals were radical and would mean substantial changes to the way MPs conduct their lives. | |
The recommendation that the reforms be phased in over five years would be seen as a move to appease MPs concerned that their existing arrangements might be endangered. | |
Party leaders have indicated that they will accept the committee's recommendations, barring any exceptional circumstances. | |
They hope that the proposals will draw a line under the expenses scandal - which has forced a host of MPs to stand down from Parliament - and assuage public anger over excessive and inappropriate claims. | |
A spokesman for the Kelly committee has not commented on the reports. |