1. In our first report we promised a root and
branch review. In our second—on issues—we demonstrated
willingness to consider any option for change. This report shows
we have been thorough in looking at every root and branch but
have concentrated on improving audit rather than structural change.
The Committee has looked critically at the two key areas where
the reputation of the House is most at risk—accommodation
and staffing. In one case we put forward a suggestion for structural
change; in the other we recommend much better accountability.
But the most important aspect of this report is our commitment
to restoring the reputation of the House by providing better assurance
for the taxpayer that money is properly spent.
| Allowance
| Purpose
| Maximum
| Claim process
|
| Additional Costs Allowance
| To reimburse overnight expenses when staying away from the main home.
| £24,006
| Paid by the MP and claimed back; receipts required for expenditure over £25 and copy of rental agreement or mortgage interest statement must be provided.
|
| Staffing Allowance
| To meet the costs of employing the equivalent of three and a half full-time staff to support the Member in carrying out parliamentary duties.
| £100,205
| Staff salaries are paid through central payroll provided by the House.
|
| Incidental Expenses Provision
| Primarily to meet the costs of running an office, including in constituency.
| £22,193
| Can be paid by MPs and claimed back; receipts required for expenditure over £25. Alternatively, the House can pay the supplier directly. A copy of the office lease must be provided.
|
| London Supplement
| To compensate London MPs for the additional cost of living in London.
| £2,916
| Paid automatically along with salary through central payroll. Taxable.
|
| Travel
| To meet the cost of 'standard' journeys between the main home, Westminster and the constituency, and also travel within the constituency whilst undertaking parliamentary duties.
| Car: 40p per mile up to 10,000 miles
| |
| Further mileage: 25p per mile
| | | |
| Motorbike: 24p per mile
| | | |
| Bicycle: 20p per mile
| Motor mileage is claimed back; up to 350 miles' travel per month within the constituency can be claimed without declaration of journey details. Fares are met using the House of Commons Corporate travel card; 'standard' journeys must be registered with the House.
| | |
| Winding Up Allowance
| To meet the costs of winding up parliamentary duties, closing down the office and releasing staff after retirement from Office or defeat in a General Election.
| One third of the sum of the annual staffing allowance and incidental expenses provision (max £40,799)
| Other than staff salaries, winding-up costs are paid by the MP and claimed back on an as incurred basis, up to the maximum limit.
|
| Resettlement Grant
| Similar to a redundancy payment.
| Between 50% and 100% of salary, depending on age and length of service at the date of dissolution.
| Claimed using the resettlement grant claim form once all outstanding liabilities to the House, suppliers and staff have been met.
|
| Communications
| Communicating with constituents about parliamentary business.
| £10,400
| Can be paid by MPs and claimed back, receipts required for expenditure over £25. Alternatively, the House can pay the supplier directly.
|
