MPs retreat on payments shake-up
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The House of Commons yesterday backed down from calling for Parliament's independent expenses watchdog to be broken up despite continuing anger over the administration of the system.
In an angry debate, MPs on both side of the House attacked the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa), which pays their expenses, for being over-bureaucratic and expensive to the taxpayer.
But instead of provoking a head-on confrontation, the Commons decided that Ipsa should consider the proposals of a cross-party committee which recommended it could be stripped of some of its functions as part of its annual review.
The committee's chairman, Adam Afriyie, did not force MPs to vote on whether to accept all the report's recommendations, which include setting up an assessment of whether flat-rate supplements should be used instead of current transport and accommodation allowances.
Mr Afriyie claimed the current regime was a "burden on Members in terms of the time it takes to navigate the expenses system".
Andrew Tyrie, who chairs the Treasury Select Committee, said many MPs found Ipsa an obstacle to fulfilling their duties, adding: "The legislation needs to be changed." The report urges legislation to force Ipsa to change unless it acts by April.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments