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MPs await expenses reform plans MPs 'must accept' claims reforms
(about 5 hours later)
MPs are expected to face a radical overhaul of their expenses when an independent review of the system is published later. The House of Commons speaker will argue that MPs must accept the main findings of sweeping reforms to their allowances and expenses, the BBC understands.
Sir Christopher Kelly is believed to want to end claims for mortgage payments, employing relatives and "golden goodbyes" for retiring MPs. The proposals, due to be set out later, could suggest an end to mortgage payments claims, employing relatives, and "golden goodbyes" for retiring MPs.
His findings, to be announced at 1000 GMT, follow a tumultuous year in which expenses have been heavily criticised. Speaker John Bercow will insist MPs, some of whom want a vote on the review, must not try to halt or reduce changes.
The planned reforms follow a tumultuous year of claims revelations.
More than 100 MPs have said they will stand down at the next election.More than 100 MPs have said they will stand down at the next election.
The review by Sir Christopher, chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, comes after claims for items including duck islands, moat cleaning and dog food were publicised.
Second homesSecond homes
The BBC's political editor Nick Robinson said Mr Speaker Bercow was "determined this will be a day which is seen as ushering in a new dawn for MPs and not one in which they are seen to protect themselves".
After Sir Christopher Kelly publishes his long-awaited and heavily leaked report, setting out the proposals, on Wednesday morning, the Speaker will tell the Commons not to try to "block, neuter or minimise reform", added our correspondent.
Speculation around Sir Christopher's proposals has been rife
A new regime can only become law if it is adopted by the newly created Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA), after another period of consultation, and not until after the next election.
This has led some MPs to suggest that the Kelly report could still be amended.
The review by Sir Christopher, chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life, comes after claims for items including duck islands, moat cleaning and dog food were publicised.
Many MPs were criticised for re-designating their second homes - a practice known as "flipping" - to claim allowances.Many MPs were criticised for re-designating their second homes - a practice known as "flipping" - to claim allowances.
There are also questions, and further investigations, into the use of parliamentary expenses for mortgages which had already been paid off.There are also questions, and further investigations, into the use of parliamentary expenses for mortgages which had already been paid off.
Commons Leader Harriet Harman will deliver a statement on Sir Christopher's report at 1230 GMT, following prime minister's questions.Commons Leader Harriet Harman will deliver a statement on Sir Christopher's report at 1230 GMT, following prime minister's questions.
The committee carried out a series of public hearings and studied hundreds of submissions from MPs and the public. Last week, the BBC learned the committee was likely to recommend major changes to the most controversial allowance - the £24,006 a year second homes payment.
Last week, the BBC learned it was likely to recommend major changes to the most controversial allowance - the £24,006 a year second homes payment. Sources said it would suggest MPs only be allowed to claim towards rent, rather than towards mortgage interest as at present.
Sources said the committee would suggest MPs only be allowed to claim towards rent, rather than towards mortgage interest as at present.
More than 200 MPs who currently employ relatives would be stopped from doing so under the proposals, it is understood.More than 200 MPs who currently employ relatives would be stopped from doing so under the proposals, it is understood.
Smaller payoff?Smaller payoff?
The resettlement grant to MPs who stand down or lose their seats at a general election is expected to be reformed. And a resettlement grant paid to MPs who stand down or lose their seats at a general election is expected to be reformed.
Criticised as a "golden goodbye", it can range from between £32,383 and £64,766, depending on age and time served. The first £30,000 is tax free. Criticised as a "golden goodbye", it can range from £32,383 to£64,766, depending on age and time served. The first £30,000 is tax free.
The BBC understands Sir Christopher's report will recommend this be replaced with a small fixed sum, possibly a couple of months' salary.The BBC understands Sir Christopher's report will recommend this be replaced with a small fixed sum, possibly a couple of months' salary.
The £10,400-a-year communications allowance - which was the only allowance voted through by MPs without a recommendation from the senior salaries review board - is expected to be axed entirely.The £10,400-a-year communications allowance - which was the only allowance voted through by MPs without a recommendation from the senior salaries review board - is expected to be axed entirely.
MPs have already voted to hand over decisions on Sir Christopher's report to the newly set-up Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA). MPs have already voted to hand over decisions on Sir Christopher's report to the newly set-up IPSA.
The BBC understands that Professor Sir Ian Kennedy, an expert in medical ethics, is to be named as IPSA's chairman. The BBC understands that Professor Sir Ian Kennedy, an expert in medical ethics, is to be named as its chairman.
This body will decide what allowances MPs receive and how they will be administered.This body will decide what allowances MPs receive and how they will be administered.
It will pay salaries and allowances and draw up a code of conduct including provisions for the registration of financial interests.It will pay salaries and allowances and draw up a code of conduct including provisions for the registration of financial interests.
Sir Christopher's inquiry into the Westminster allowance system was announced in March, before the details of MPs' expenses were leaked to the Daily Telegraph.Sir Christopher's inquiry into the Westminster allowance system was announced in March, before the details of MPs' expenses were leaked to the Daily Telegraph.