Member News
There are some highly unsatisfactory features of the scheme that are at best distracting, and at worst impeding, MPs from doing their jobs
Sir George Young
The leader of the House of Commons, Sir George Young, has warned that the current parliamentary expenses regime is obstructing the work of MPs and must be reformed.
In a deeply critical submission to the consultation being run by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) Sir George said the current scheme was "highly unsatisfactory".
"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," he said.
"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.
He added: "This is unsustainable and it would be unacceptable to the House, if Parliament is to perform the task the country expects."
His intervention came as Ipsa published the latest details of MPs claims, the second time it has done so since it took over responsibility for policing expenses following the election.
In December, MPs held a well attended debate in the Commons in which Ipsa was roundly criticised for failing to do its job and MPs voted in favour of a motion which called on Ipsa to reform its practises.
Sir George said the key elements of the new scheme should be established, if not operational, by 1 April 2011.
He said: "In the light of the resolution passed by the House on 2 December 2010, the House will expect IPSA to recognise the need for substantial change, and come forward with proposals for a simpler and in the long-run more cost-effective system that properly supports all MPs as they go about their duties."
Among the criticisms levelled at the regime by the Commons leader was the inflexibility of the rules governing travel and accommodation expenses.
"It is not tolerable for MPs to be forced to sleep in their offices, as some have over the last seven months, due to the inflexibility of the rules and the uncertainty surrounding the House's sitting hours," he said.
"As elsewhere, the expenses scheme should be able to accommodate the sometimes irregular working patterns of Parliament.
He added: "It is not sensible, nor conducive to an effective working legislature, to expect MPs to get home after midnight, and then to play an active role in proceedings in Parliament by 0930 the next day.
Sir George said his highly critical submission to the consultation was in his capacity as leader of the Commons and that it reflected the "debates and exchanges" in the Commons as well as representations made to him by MPs from all parties.
Have your say...
Please enter your comments below.