MPs expenses back under the spotlight
There are rumours and counter rumour circulating around the House of Commons today with regards to MPs expenses and the potential for the infamous second home allowance to be withdrawn. Sir Christopher Kelly, the head of the powerful committee on standards in public life, is rumoured to be about to suggest that the second home allowance is withdrawn and MPs simply pay rent on properties they have to use during their working life.
There have also been suggestions that the number of MPs who may qualify for some form of second home payment would be reduced by extending the "reasonable commuting distance" to Westminster. The subject of family members working for MPs has also been raised with the suggestion this will be outlawed in the future although already there are rumblings of a serious MPs revolt and potential legal action under employment law.
While the headlines make better reading for UK taxpayers, the very fact that these particular regulations may be changed over a period of five years would suggest that the gravy train is slowing down but has yet to stop.
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