Annual Review Of The Mps Expenses Scheme

This consultation paper principally focuses on improving the current scheme - simplifying where possible but also asking whether it is fair and workable and provides the best possible value for money. Key specific themes that are identified are: the impact of the scheme on MPs' family life; the impact of the definition of the London area; the effects of the limits on expenditure for staffing and renting a constituency office. The paper includes 44 questions on the scheme which are for consultation.

This year's, the fourth, review of the MPs' Business costs & expenses scheme is much about refining rules rather than making substantive changes. It pays special attention to MPs' needs for staff. It gives MPs a clear budget limit for staff, but one that allows flexibility so as to reflect the differences in their ways of work. This Review also explored the separation between parliamentary functions and party political activities

Third edition dated May 2011. This document replaces the version of the 3rd edition published in April (HC 890, ISBN 9780102971293) and is being issued free of charge to all known recipients of that earlier version

This report emphasises the importance of independent regulation of the system for reimbursing MPs' costs; of the continuing need for transparency and the need for value for money. The Committee concludes that the aims set out for the new system in 2009 were the right ones but have not been sufficiently achieved. In particular, the cost to the taxpayer is too high and the time spent dealing with the system hinders MPs in performing their parliamentary duties, to the detriment of constituents and the country. Proposals made include: separating the administrative and regulatory roles of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA); improving the transparency of IPSA's publication of claims; a cost-benefit analysis of how the accommodation and travel part of the system could be simplified

Seeks views on the content and administration of the MPs' expenses scheme. This title includes chapters that cover: scope of the consultation; principles of the scheme; working as an MP; expenses and allowances; administering the expenses scheme; working from two locations - accommodation for MPs; travel and subsistence; and, staff for MPs.

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) published a consultation, 'MPs' pay and pensions: a new package', in July 2013. Although it is not a statutory duty of the Committee to comment on proposals on relating to pay and pensions, it is in within their remit to comment on proposed changes to the expenses scheme. This report responds to question 9 of the consultation which relates to 'completing the modernisation of expenses' and comments on the proposal for an Annual report from Members.