The House of Commons Committee on Members’ Expenses today published its review of the operation of the Parliamentary Standards Act 2009.

 

Commenting on the Committee’s recommendations, Mr Afriyie said:

“The review offers calm, considered and common-sense recommendations aimed at reducing the cost to taxpayers, improving transparency, and protecting independent regulation of the system.

 

“Contrary to recent reports, the Committee does not recommend extending the existing flat-rate allowances introduced by IPSA.  Instead it recommends that IPSA explain their allowances and make the method of calculation available for public scrutiny.

 

“The recommendations seek to further improve transparency as part of the process of cleaning up our politics and improving public confidence in Parliament.

 

“When everyone else is tightening their belts, the way in which payments are made to MPs should not be exempt from scrutiny.  The system must offer taxpayers better value for money than it does today.

 

“We hope that the work we have undertaken will assist IPSA both to improve the value for money they offer to taxpayers and the support they offer to British democracy.

 

"We are sliding towards a two-tier Parliament in which those without independent means are disadvantaged.  The recommendations seek to reverse this dangerous trend.”

 

Editor’s notes:

   

1.   Adam Afriyie is the only MP never to have claimed the personal expenses or allowances.

2.   The Committee on Members’ Expenses was re-established in July 2011 to review the operation of the legislation which set up the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA).

3.   The Committee’s report can be read in full at http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/members-expenses/news/report-on-operation-of-the-parliamentary-standards-act-2009/

4.   The Committee made its recommendations giving due consideration to ensuring:

a)  value for money for taxpayers;

b)  accountability;

c)  public confidence in Parliament;

d)  the ability of Members to fulfil their duties effectively;

e)  fairness for less well-off Members and those with families; and

f)  that Members are not deterred from submitting legitimate claims.

5.   Mr Afriyie is a long-term campaigner for reform of the system of payments to MPs.  He has introduced a Bill and had successful debates and motions carried in the House of Commons. He has also written several articles on the issue of MPs’ expenses: http://www.adamafriyie.org/AR%20-%20Parliament%20must%20pipe%20up.html; http://www.adamafriyie.org/AR%20-%20Learning%20from%20an%20expenses%20mistake.html

6.   Mr Afriyie’s official website: http://www.adamafriyie.org/

Contact Details:  Telephone: 020 7219 2005 Email: adam.afriyie.mp@parliament.uk

 

ENDS