Published: Wednesday, 4th November, 2009 4:00pm

Expenses reforms 'about right'

by Newsdesk

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SIR Christopher Kelly should have gone further and banned MPs from having second jobs, says Martin Salter.

But the Reading West MP said the reforms of the expenses system announced this afternoon (Wednesday) were mostly "about right".

He added: "The reputation of the House of Commons will only recover if Members of Parliament fully accept the broad thrust of Sir Christopher Kelly's long overdue reforms many of which are in line with the seven point plan that Anneliese and myself published back in May. I want a system that stops Members of Parliament from being able to personally enrich themselves through the accommodation allowance which should only cover essential expenditure not luxuries.

"However we must ensure that the pendulum does not swing so far the other way and create a system whereby membership of the House of Commons is only open to those of private wealth or with external sponsorship.

"MPs should accept the principles in the report and allow the new Independent Parliamentary Authority (IPSA) to sort out the details and any anomalies free of political interference.

"Obviously I am disappointed that Kelly has not gone further and completely outlawed the scandal of second jobs for MPs but he is at least putting some further restrictions in place to protect the public interest. Any criticisms of Kelly can only be at the margins and should be left to IPSA to resolve. This report gives us an opportunity to draw a line under a disgraceful chapter in our Parliamentary history and move on to focus on the real issues of importance to the British people such as jobs, the economy and our public services".

Anneliese Dodds added: "Back in May, Martin and I argued for a cleaned-up expenses system, based on the principles of transparency, fairness, and value for money. Both Martin and I have tried to put these principles into practice.".

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