MPs' expenses: things for policywonk to say if she gets the chance

I agree about the block of flats, security issue is codswallop, they can protect parliament and 10 Downing Street so what is the issue? It would save a fortune in claims by the MP's too, in fact it would probably pay for itself.
Goodpoint about the John Lewis list too.
Transparency is important for me too, if it had not been for the leak we would all be none the wiser.MP's have to be accountable.

I think the argument was a defence to the FOIA request to reveal MPs expenses; that MPs expenses included a 2nd home/address which would be part of the FOIA. Security is a legitimate concern, and if it was revealed the private addresses of MPs homes, then this could be a (potential) problem. In the end, it was decided that the addresses were not an important matter for public record, but expenses were.

slow typing.....

Also, I don't think security concerns is a valid reason for saying they can't all be housed together. Surely they're all in the one place during the day, and it would be just as easy to target the House of Commons as a block of flats.

Maybe it's the symbolism of having MPs in some massive building, protected by armed police, that worries them.

What will they do if vast numbers of people stay away from the polls for the local and EU elections? (As in, if even fewer than the usual derisory numbers turn up?)

Actually, the really interesting stuff is will MPs take the once-in-a-generation chance for real reform and actually start holding the executive to account?

We have one of the weakest parliaments of all the Western democracies. If they get their act together, and come up with ways of really examining what the government is up, this could be the start of something really important. Especially if the lazy sods get off their arses and start looking at EU Directives.

there are about 70 london mps - surely they don't need a flat in london?

we can only hope, policy...

yeah, thought that'd be the objection. But what's to stop the Commons buying four buildings, in different parts of London? Or just buying 654 flats, minus the posts that take grace and favour accommodation around town?

us ordinary taxpayers already have to stump up for security at the residences of some politicians, might work out cheaper if we could lump them all in together. (And make sure they are near failing schools, then the buggers might have to send their own children there and actually DO something about education..)

I'm applying frozen peas at will, don't worry.

Good luck for tomorrow.

I think that MPs should either rent their second home or live in a tied home like farm labourers do. Why should they benefit from capital appreciation of their house when they aren't paying the mortgage?

Interesting point about the Social Fund. The 'reasonableness' (at least to cost) of MPs expenses was known as the 'John Lewis' list. I wonder what catalogue the SF use and why JL was chosen for MPs.

I like some of these questions. I like the idea that they should all live in apartment block and pay rent. Part of me is even enjoying the thought that if they were all in one place, they could get zapped up like that Doctor Who episode or have a big pirate ship land on them!

[evil cackle emoticon]

Hope it goes well PW.

Definitely ask Martha's questions re social fund.

I also wonder how MPs who feel so entitled to claim for having their chimneys swept when they are married to multimillionaires and only live in Hertfordshire anyway, really think they can have any idea about the life of the average family in this country. And how they can possibly hope to represent them in Parliament?

Good luck tomorrow Policywonk - am sure you will do a marvellous job.

re: social fund.

there is not a published tariff for items. people have to request an amount for an item, which is then granted or not. The social fund works on the following guidance:

"In considering what is an appropriate range of prices, use those currently charged for guaranteed items of serviceable quality available in national catalogue outlets and/or national high street chain retailers. Do not formulate a range using prices that go beyond the yardstick of serviceable quality (e.g., luxury goods with non essential extras). Note that using the prices of everyday national retailers to establish the range does not mean that the applicant is obliged to buy from these retailers. Ensure too that the items are available at the range of prices locally."

In practice this means that if you can get a basic bed in Argos for £150.00, £150.00 will be the ceiling for payments. I assist people to make a fair number of these applications and have yet to see a bid for a flat screen TV, patio heater, or elephant lamp (yes, you, Gove) be successful.

I've not been paying attention lately. Are you now our official political journo/lobbyist, PW? (very good too)

Leningrad's 'what now', or Martha's social fund comparison both good qus imo. Although I would be rather tempted to go 'wtf? Seriously?'

open to terrorist attack, edam?

Lenin, Surely you meant, Perestroika

I want to know who was opposing the FOIA requests that Heather Brooke submitted. And why.

hall of residence in westminster

govt to buy ex-council houses in constituencies - big outlay but once they're bought they are "for" the sitting MP

if they are not London MP they can only claim for reduced council tax plus cheapest rail return once a week

London MPs - oyster card