REFORMS of MPs' allowances proposed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown have been welcomed by local politicians.
Mr Brown, who previously ordered a standards review of MPs’ expenses, announced plans to overhaul the allowances system this week after a storm of high profile rows about politicians’ claims.
Proposals include replacing controversial second home a
llowances with a flat rate daily allowance for attending Parliament, to be published annually.
Pontefract and Castleford MP Yvette Cooper said: “People have no confidence in the current system which is way out of date.
“We’ve been arguing for major reforms and reductions in allowances.
“These changes would solve a lot of problems and I think they should be brought in as fast as possible with the independent standards committee advising on any further reforms.
“MPs need to travel to and from Westminster and have local offices for constituents but it has got to be a transparent, fair system.”
Featherstone and Ackworth MP Jon Trickett, Mr Brown’s parliamentary private secretary, added: “For an MP to do their job properly it is essential they have a home in London and in the area they represent.
“However, I have long felt that the system is unjustifiable, and indeed I stopped claiming this allowance some time ago.
“I am glad the Prime Minister is now going to propose we scrap the second home allowance.
“I will vote to change to a better system, which I hope will begin to restore public confidence in the House of Commons.”
Other proposed changes include MPs with second sources of income declaring pay and hours worked and all MPs providing full receipts for independent audit.
Staff would also become direct employees of the Commons if reforms are implemented.
Elmet MP Colin Burgon, whose constituency covers Kippax and Allerton Bywater, said: “I would welcome changes regarding second jobs as it’s something I’ve raised in the past.
“MPs get a good income and in my opinion they shouldn’t have second or sometimes third jobs.
“I have no problem with most of the changes to make the system more transparent.
“The only thing I think should be thought out is making staff at constituency offices employees of the House of Commons, as they sign their contracts with the MP.”
Selby MP John Grogan, representing Fairburn, Brotherton and Byram, added: “I think that the Prime Minister is right to seize the initiative and there are many positive aspects to his proposals.
“As regards the specific proposals for daily allowances, I would have preferred that all second homes are rented with an agreement with Commons authorities. Then there would be no need for a daily allowance.”
