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MPs' Expenses Rules 'May Not Be Enforced'

Saturday, 07 November 2009 10:30
Plans to reform MPs' expenses are in doubt after the head of the body responsible for changing them suggested he might not implement some.

The Daily Telegraph says Professor Sir Ian Kennedy is unhappy with some of the proposals put forward by the standards watchdog.

The paper quotes Sir Ian as saying he has "no obligation" to accept everything suggested by Sir Christopher Kelly.

After a seven-month review of expenses, Sir Christopher released his report with a stark warning.

"Some may be thinking of distancing themselves from earlier expressed determination to implement our report in full," he said.

"If so, that would in my view, be an error.

The new Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) is charged with invoking the recommendations and will also determine the pay and pensions of MPs.

Any changes made will not need the approval of MPs but the IPSA will have to consult on Sir Christopher's findings.

The IPSA's chair, Sir Ian Kennedy, has let it be known he feels no obligation to adopt all the reforms proposed in the Kelly report.

Earlier, he told Sky News: "My colleagues and I will now take up the reins.

"We'll set out our proposed allowances scheme about expenses and how it will be administered - and then we'll consult as widely as possible and seek to implement it by early spring."

According to the Telegraph, Sir Ian, who was in charge of the Healthcare Commission until March this year, is particularly reluctant to stop MPs from putting their own relatives on the payroll.

He is also said to be is unhappy at the suggestion that they repay any profit made on the sale of their second homes.

It will be a headache for the three main party leaders after they enthusiastically welcomed the Kelly report and accepted its recommendations in full.


 
 

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