04/02/2011

MPs' Expenses Details Published Online

MP's expenses claims, totalling millions of pounds have now been published online.

The report by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) also features the requests that were turned down.

Those MPs who had requests for reimbursement refused include Bob Russell, who had £346.60 on advertising rejected, and John McDonnell who had more than £300 spent on his car declined.

Despite being charged in May last year with claiming more than £14,000 in dishonest expenses, MP Eric Illsley claimed £9,197.74.

Sir George Young, Leader of the House of Commons, has criticised the system, which came into force after the expenses scandal.

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.

"This is unsustainable and it would be unacceptable to the House, if Parliament is to perform the task the country expects.”

Between September 15 and the end of October, MPs had 154 claims totalling £15,352.49 for expenses rejected by the watchdog. A further £3,641,081.09 was paid out to 622 MPs.

Information is to be published every two months, however copies of receipts will not be available.

The arrangements have been described as "anti-family" by David Cameron.

However IPSA is carrying out a consultation on proposals and has signalled that restrictions could be loosened further in the longer term.

(BMcN/GK)

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