MPs' expenses report to be published

Tue Nov 3 2009 23:30:15

Sir Christopher Kelly's report into MPs' expenses is set to be published later.

The Chairman of the Committee on Standards in Public Life has received over 700 written submissions and heard evidence from a range of witnesses at nine public hearings.

The report will make recommendations about the future structure of the expenses regime including, it is thought, outlawing claims on second homes for those living within commuting distance from London.

There have also been reports that the generous 'golden goodbye' for MPs leaving parliament will be cut, and that the committee will recommend an end to all claims for mortgage interest payments.

Harriet Harman is to make a statement to the Commons, setting out the long-awaited changes to the existing expenses and allowances system. However, MPs will not vote on the changes.

Instead the proposals will go to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority, set up at the height of the expenses scandal, which will decide which of the recommendations to implement.

© Independent Television News Limited 2009. All rights reserved.