Sir George's view
As MPs await the publication of the latest tranche of their expenses claims - 25,000 or so, from the autumn - the Leader of the Commons, Sir George Young has published his views on the whole system.
His submission to the review being conducted by IPSA, the expenses watchdog, suggests the current scheme, loathed by most MPs, is in serious need of an overhaul.
Here's the key section:
"Although an MP's heavy workload is by no means unique, the pattern of their working life - requiring them to run two separate offices in London and their constituency - is unusual. To carry out these roles effectively, and to ensure that MPs from all backgrounds can provide an equal service to their constituents, MPs need an appropriate, accessible, efficient and cost-effective expenses system."This is not a personal benefit for MPs. The system should enable them to meet, among other things, the costs of running a constituency office, of engaging effectively with their constituents, of travelling between their constituency and Westminster (and to carry out constituency duties in different parts of their constituency), and of employing and equipping staff to support them in their Parliamentary work. MPs who represent constituencies outside London also need to meet the cost of spending a significant part of the week away from their main home. In addition to resourcing MPs to enable them to do their job, the system should not be so complex or intrusive as to divert MPs and their staff from their duties, or from seeking reimbursement for legitimate expenditure.
"I believe that the current expenses scheme, as designed, implemented and administered by the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, is failing in many respects adequately to support MPs to undertake their responsibilities. 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."
Sir George underlines his continued support for the principle of independent regulation and transparency - the problem for him and the Commons in general is that if they want an independent watchdog to guarantee their probity to a sceptical cynical public, they can't keep jerking the poor beast's chain, every time they are unhappy, and still expect it to be seen as independent.
Which is why real problems will arise if IPSA doesn't come up with changes which pacify MPs.
I'm Mark D'Arcy and I'll be writing about what goes on in the chambers and committee rooms at Westminster.
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