MPs Subject to New Expense Rules

In the light of past MP spending scandals the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority is levying new restrictions on MP spending, deatils the BBC article "MPs to lose right to claim second home expenses". MPs will now not be able to claim funds for the purchase of a second home unless their seat is more than 20 miles or an hour from Westminster. Those falling under that distinction will be able to claim rent up to 1,450 a month - equivalent to a one-bed flat. Another limit will be put on employment operations, from now on MPs will only be able to hire one relative and will have to report a precise salary for that person every year. The news rules will reduce annual maximum accomodation and office claims by 16000 a year for those inside of London, and 14,000 for those in other areas of the nation. MPs who already own second homes will be able to hold onto them until August 2012 at which point profits will be recouped.

This act increases the legitamacy of the MPs in parliament because with these new rules the people of the UK can be assured that they are not abusing their privieges. This also shows how swiftly the government can run in the UK because the response to these spending claims was dealt with quickly, cleanly, and efficiently.