MPs could receive pay rises of about £40,000 a year in return for scrapping their controversial second homes allowance, it was claimed yesterday.
The top-up to MPs' current £61,820 salary would be worth about £24,000 after tax – approximately matching the maximum claim under the Additional Costs Allowance (ACA) this year.
The move is one of three options to be put before MPs by an internal
review of parliamentary expenses headed by Commons Speaker Michael Martin.
It would, in effect, remove the onus on MPs to justify their expenses claims and hand extra cash to those who do not currently claim the full amount.
The typical MP would be £4,500 a year better off as the average claim under ACA is £19,500.
But it is likely to run into fierce opposition following recent abuses of the expenses system and voters' scepticism about the pay and perks available to their Westminster representatives.
Less controversial alternatives to the £40,000 package include a daily allowance corresponding to MPs' attendance in the Commons.
That would be subject to a similar upper ceiling of about £24,000, again without the need to submit receipts in justification for costs legitimately incurred staying in London.
A third option would see the ACA retained, but with more rigorous audits of claims.
The Members' Estimate Committee, which set up the review following the scandal over MP Derek Conway's overpayment of his son out of his expenses, is due to report its recommendations soon. They will be discussed in the House of Commons on 3 July.
Other issues that have been under special consideration include the staffing allowance – amid concern about MPs employing their relatives at the public's expense – and travel costs.
MPs' expenses have come under harsh scrutiny in recent months since the Conway controversy and the disclosure of a John Lewis list detailing dozens of household items they could claim under the ACA.
It included white goods, televisions, stereos, coffee machines, up to £10,000 for a new kitchen and £6,000 for a bathroom.
The full article contains 356 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
