Ipsa seeks public backing
Parliament’s expenses watchdog is appealing to the public as it prepares for its latest clashes with frustrated MPs.
The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) has launched a consultation as it reviews its approach to the Commons’ allowances system.
MPs have reduced its staff to tears over the elements of the rules they object to – including those relating to their family life, the definition of the ‘London area’ and the budget for renting a constituency office.
But some backbenchers have complained that they are struggling to afford their running costs and are afraid to claim too much because of fears that their local newspapers will report their requests in a negative light.
Ipsa’s chairman Sir Ian Kennedy has appealed to ordinary people to make their views on the issue known, apparently in a bid to reinforce his arguments when it comes to confrontations with MPs.
Writing in the Sun newspaper, he asked members of the public to put their views forward in the next six weeks.
“Rightly, we hear a lot from MPs about what they think. We will listen and act if it is right to do so,” Sir Ian wrote.
“MPs are worried about the impact of the rules on their families and concerned about some of the budgets we have set. But we also want to hear from those whose money is being spent: you, the taxpayer. Get involved and make your thoughts count.”
Ipsa is already marshalling its arguments against MPs with a survey of public opinion, however.
It has already said the survey indicates the majority of the public are reluctant to see more generous funding on specific issues like family accommodation and office costs.
Leader of the Commons Sir George Young put out a critical response.
“The expenses system is there to give MPs the support they need to carry out their jobs, and IPSA should look again at areas where the current scheme is not adequately doing that,” he said in a statement.
“I intend to submit evidence to the review on behalf of the government, and am encouraging colleagues who are experiencing difficulties to do the same. We support the principles of independent and transparent regulation of MPs’ expenses.”
With some MPs threatening to take firmer action against Ipsa’s current set-up, the expenses saga seems unlikely to fade away in 2011.
