Thursday, February 3, 2011

Expenses regime 'impeding' MPs in doing their jobs

Ipsa has incurred the wrath of hundreds of MPs since being set up to administer their expenses in the aftermath of the 2009 scandal.

Sir George said: ''I believe that the current expenses scheme, as designed, implemented and administered by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, is failing in many respects adequately to support MPs to undertake their responsibilities.

''There are some highly unsatisfactory features of the scheme that are at best distracting, and at worst impeding, MPs from doing their jobs.

''In addition, some aspects of the new regime are in danger of deterring people from less affluent backgrounds from becoming - and in some cases remaining - Members of Parliament and are also placing undue pressure on some MPs' family lives.

''This is unsustainable and it would be unacceptable to the House, if Parliament is to perform the task the country expects.

''I continue to support the principles of independent regulation and transparency.

''However, it would be unacceptable for any external body to prejudice the service that constituents should, as a matter of course, expect from their Member of Parliament.''

Sir George said the Commons expected Ipsa to recognise the need for ''substantial change'', including a ''simpler and, in the long run, more cost-effective system that properly supports all MPs as they go about their duties''.

He added that it was ''essential'' for Ipsa to ensure ''the key elements of the new scheme are established, if not actually operational, by 1 April 2011''.

Sir George also appeared to take issue with Ipsa's publication of rejected expenses claims, which it is doing for the first time today.

''MPs must not be deterred from applying for expenses because they fear reputational damage as a result of failed claims made in good faith, nor from seeking advice for fear that the fact that they have done so may be disclosed and used against them,'' he said.



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Source: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/8300553/Expenses-regime-impeding-MPs-in-doing-their-jobs.html

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