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04/11/2009
End Of MPs' Mortgage Claims Looms
The PM Gordon Brown has given his full backing to the proposed reform of MPs' expenses, outlined by Sir Christopher Kelly today.
Members of Parliament will no longer be allowed to claimed mortgage costs or employ family members, under the recommendations.
Sir Christopher told MPs his committee would be "watching closely", urging parliamentarians to accept the changes, and implement the new system by the next Commons recess.
Sir Christopher was drafted in by the government to look at the Westminster expenses process in the wake of damning media reports.
Resettlement grants given to MPs who voluntarily resign will be scrapped, but not until the election after next.
According to Sir Christopher, the Commons standards committee already has the power to stop payments to poorly behaved MPs, which he says should be utilised.
Regarding second homes and mortgage payments, Sir Christopher said the taxpayer should not fork-out for such "a valuable asset".
However, MPs who have a mortgage will continue to receive repayments until the closing of the next parliament.
Any 'capital gains' made from property should be "surrendered to the taxpayer", Sir Christopher said.
MPs are also set to lose their £10,400 a year communications allowance.
Sir Christopher backed the decision to exclude parliamentarians living in the 20 mile radius of London from the second home scheme.
Second homes claims will be reduced to rent, hotel payments and bills.
"Our proposals are reasonable and fair and bring Westminster into line with other walks of life and other legislatures," Sir Christopher said.
However, some MPs have called for a vote on the proposals, while relatives working in Whitehall have said they will fight to retain their jobs.
Commons Speaker John Bercow is expected to tell MPs not to try to "block, neuter or minimise reform".
(PR/BMcC)
Members of Parliament will no longer be allowed to claimed mortgage costs or employ family members, under the recommendations.
Sir Christopher told MPs his committee would be "watching closely", urging parliamentarians to accept the changes, and implement the new system by the next Commons recess.
Sir Christopher was drafted in by the government to look at the Westminster expenses process in the wake of damning media reports.
Resettlement grants given to MPs who voluntarily resign will be scrapped, but not until the election after next.
According to Sir Christopher, the Commons standards committee already has the power to stop payments to poorly behaved MPs, which he says should be utilised.
Regarding second homes and mortgage payments, Sir Christopher said the taxpayer should not fork-out for such "a valuable asset".
However, MPs who have a mortgage will continue to receive repayments until the closing of the next parliament.
Any 'capital gains' made from property should be "surrendered to the taxpayer", Sir Christopher said.
MPs are also set to lose their £10,400 a year communications allowance.
Sir Christopher backed the decision to exclude parliamentarians living in the 20 mile radius of London from the second home scheme.
Second homes claims will be reduced to rent, hotel payments and bills.
"Our proposals are reasonable and fair and bring Westminster into line with other walks of life and other legislatures," Sir Christopher said.
However, some MPs have called for a vote on the proposals, while relatives working in Whitehall have said they will fight to retain their jobs.
Commons Speaker John Bercow is expected to tell MPs not to try to "block, neuter or minimise reform".
(PR/BMcC)
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26 November 2009
Blair 'Tightened' After Camp David Talks
Tony Blair's view of the Iraqi regime "tightened" after talks with George W Bush at Camp David in 2002, according to the former UK ambassador in America. Discussions between Mr Blair and the US president were held in private, however, Sir Christopher Meyer said the prime minister's opinion on Saddam Hussein's leadership changed after the meeting.
Blair 'Tightened' After Camp David Talks
Tony Blair's view of the Iraqi regime "tightened" after talks with George W Bush at Camp David in 2002, according to the former UK ambassador in America. Discussions between Mr Blair and the US president were held in private, however, Sir Christopher Meyer said the prime minister's opinion on Saddam Hussein's leadership changed after the meeting.
27 May 2003
Vodafone looks to turnover increase
Vodafone’s year-end results revealed a substantial turnover increase that helped cut the preceding year’s net loss of £16.16 billion to a loss to £9.82 billion. The group’s turnover rose from £22.85 million to £30.38 and was reflected in pre-tax earnings which increased 40% to £11.22 billion, up from £8 billion.
Vodafone looks to turnover increase
Vodafone’s year-end results revealed a substantial turnover increase that helped cut the preceding year’s net loss of £16.16 billion to a loss to £9.82 billion. The group’s turnover rose from £22.85 million to £30.38 and was reflected in pre-tax earnings which increased 40% to £11.22 billion, up from £8 billion.
20 November 2014
Rochester And Strood By-Election Underway
Polls are now open in the Rochester and Strood by-election. Thirteen candidates are competing for the seat vacated by Mark Reckless, who defected to UKIP from the Conservatives. Polls opened at 7am this morning and will remain open until 10pm.
Rochester And Strood By-Election Underway
Polls are now open in the Rochester and Strood by-election. Thirteen candidates are competing for the seat vacated by Mark Reckless, who defected to UKIP from the Conservatives. Polls opened at 7am this morning and will remain open until 10pm.
07 November 2008
Man Who Carried Head On Bus Jailed For Life
An Algerian man, who killed his neighbour and carried the victim's head on a bus, has been jailed for life. Mohamed Boudjenane, 46, from Kingsgate Road, was found guilty of murdering fellow Algerian Lakhdar Ouyahia on February 4 this year. The jury at the Old Bailey heard how Boudjenane dumped the body in bedding in a supermarket storage cage.
Man Who Carried Head On Bus Jailed For Life
An Algerian man, who killed his neighbour and carried the victim's head on a bus, has been jailed for life. Mohamed Boudjenane, 46, from Kingsgate Road, was found guilty of murdering fellow Algerian Lakhdar Ouyahia on February 4 this year. The jury at the Old Bailey heard how Boudjenane dumped the body in bedding in a supermarket storage cage.
02 September 2005
Somerfield ordered to sell 12 stores
Supermarket group Somerfield has been ordered to sell 12 stores, following an investigation by the Competition Commission (CC). The investigation into Somerfield’s purchase of 115 stores from Morrisons last year was prompted by fears of a “substantial lessening” of competition in 12 local grocery retail markets in the UK.
Somerfield ordered to sell 12 stores
Supermarket group Somerfield has been ordered to sell 12 stores, following an investigation by the Competition Commission (CC). The investigation into Somerfield’s purchase of 115 stores from Morrisons last year was prompted by fears of a “substantial lessening” of competition in 12 local grocery retail markets in the UK.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:It will be cloudy again throughout the day. Mainly dry in the morning, but patchy drizzle in places, becoming more widespread and persistent in the afternoon. Freshening southwesterly winds. Maximum temperature 12 °C.Tonight:Cloudy with a spell of heavy rain pushing south through late evening and the early hours, followed by some clear spells. Minimum temperature 6 °C.
