Review of MPs' expenses 'to report by July'

MPs' expenses to be made more transparent

Tuesday, 26, Feb 2008 12:00

A review of MPs expenses will be rushed forward by months after the ongoing scandal was accused of "damaging" the Commons by taking too long.

The Commons members estimate committee had been expected to make its recommendations for reforming MPs' expenses in the autumn but it has now confirmed it hopes to complete its review by July.

The revised timetable was confirmed by speaker Michael Martin after he faced his own allegations of misconduct.

The embattled speaker was yesterday defended by MPs in the House of Commons and Mr Martin made clear he would not be hounded out of his post by the media.

But Labour MP David Winnick called for greater urgency in the review – launched in response to Derek Conway's suspension – arguing the recent expenses allegations were causing "damage to the reputation of the house".

In its interim report, the estimate committee said it would look at "radical options" to create "robust and transparent process for claiming allowances and auditing them".

It stressed: "We are conscious of the need to establish a structure which will endure and will rebuild confidence."

Although the committee has said all final decisions will be taken by the House of Commons itself it has already recommended reducing the level of expenses MPs can claim without receipts.

MPs can currently claim up to £250 but it is expected the committee will recommend a limit of £50 be imposed from next April.