Last November, Sir Christopher Kelly published his report into reforming MPs’ expenses and allowances. The main party leaders agreed to implement Sir Christopher’s recommendations in full. You could be forgiven for thinking this was the end of the matter. Not so.
A consultation exercise starts today by the new quango set-up to regulate MPs. The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) is asking for your views, even though you have given them already. You have made it clear you want tighter regulation of the allowances and expenses MPs get. You have made it clear you want MPs to sell their second homes and if they make a capital gain, it should be returned to the taxpayer. It seems though you will have to make your views known again.
Please go to IPSA’s website and fill out the questionnaire and give your MPs a clear message (again).
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I'm sorry, but some of what they are suggesting actually makes more sense than what Kelly suggested, particularly the question over things like the ability to employ family members. Clearly the system currently doesn't work, no question there, but I think a sensible approach to sorting it out is to consider a number of options and not rush into anything. Once the system is in place nobody will dare suggest any part of it doesn't make sense for fear of being accused of wanting to fiddle the system! If you look at the consultation the vast majority of Kelly is not being argued with, and the big issues you talk about really aren't being questioned, but some of the fine details do need looking at because there is a risk of them not being optimal.
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