MULHOLLAND EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT AT FAILURE TO TIGHTEN EXPENSES RULES

5.18.00pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 4th Jul 2008

Greg Mulholland, MP for Leeds North West, has expressed his disappointment that MPs have voted against a more rigorous system of expenses, including external auditing by an independent watchdog.

MPs voted to retain the old system of Allowances, meaning that MPs can still claim for improvements to their home with no independent scrutiny.

Mr Mulholland has tabled Early Day Motions in the House calling for a tightening of expenditure rules, including ring-fencing accommodation budgets so that the money can only be spent on rent, mortgage or hotel costs, and those Members who do not need to make these payments would not be eligible for this allowance.

Commenting Mr Mulholland said:

"I am very disappointed that some MPs have voted to retain this archaic system of expenses, particularly given the numbers of Labour MPs who voted against the proposals for change.

"What we needed was a far more open and transparent system, which would stop erroneous expenses claims. What we have got is the same old tired and flawed process, where the public still cannot really see what is being claimed and where there is going to be no independent scrutiny.

"The House has passed up a golden opportunity to really resolve this mess once and for all."

ENDS