Background Recent and ongoing developments concerning MPs’ allowances
13.There have been a number of recent developments concerning MPs’ allowances.
14.By motion dated 30th April 2009, the House has agreed that staff who work for MPs should be employed by the House “as a personal appointment and managed by the hon. Member”. The House asked the House of Commons Commission to consider how the transfer can be made and to make recommendations by 29th October 2009.(5)
15.The Committee on Standards in Public Life (“the CSPL”) has launched a review of MPs’ expenses, publishing an issues and questions paper on 23rd April 2009.(6) The CSPL asked for submissions of evidence and held public meetings in June and July.
16.The Speaker of the House of Commons announced a series of interim measures connected with MPs’ allowances to take effect immediately without pre-empting the work of the CSPL.(7) These interim measures relate to second homes, capital gains tax, the status of couples both of whom are MPs, mortgages, and staffing.