REWIND: MPs' Expenses Overhaul: The Kelly Report & the Future of Allowances

This REWIND episode delves into a significant moment in UK parliamentary history: the House of Commons statement on the Kelly Report, which proposed a new framework for MPs' expenses and allowances. Following public anger over past claims, the report aimed to restore trust and confidence in Parliament.

Listen to the key points as Harriet Harman, the Leader of the House, outlines the government's response, highlighting previous reforms and the crucial role of the newly established Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA). Discover the main recommendations of the Kelly Report, including changes to mortgage interest claims and the employment of family members.

We also cover the reactions and questions from MPs, including Sir George Young and Mr. David Heath, who discuss the implementation process, the role of IPSA, and the need for further scrutiny. Understand the debate around a potential parliamentary discussion of the report before IPSA takes it forward.

This episode provides a comprehensive overview of the efforts to establish an independent system for MPs' allowances and move away from self-regulation.

Key Takeaways:

• The Kelly Report presented recommendations for a new framework for parliamentary allowances to rebuild public trust.
• The government fully accepts the Kelly Report and will task the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) with its implementation.
• IPSA, established by the Parliamentary Standards Act 2009, will independently decide and administer MPs' allowances.
• Key recommendations in the Kelly Report include changes to claims for mortgage interest and the employment of family members.
• The House had already taken interim measures to restrict allowances prior to the Kelly Report.
• MPs discussed the timetable for implementation, the role of IPSA, and the possibility of a parliamentary debate on the report.
• The aim is to create a transparent and independent system to avoid the issues of the past.

Source: MPs’ Expenses and Allowances
Volume 498: debated on Wednesday 4 November 2009

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No outside chatter: source material only taken from Hansard and the Parliament UK website.

Contains Parliamentary information repurposed under the Open Parliament Licence v3.0....