Time to make changes over MPs' expenses (From Northwich Guardian)

Time to make changes over MPs' expenses

3:10pm Monday 15th June 2009

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WHAT can we do to prevent a similar situation recurring regarding the MPs’’ expenses scandal?

I start from the premise that it is the system that is mostly at fault rather than individual Members of Parliament.

We certainly need much more transparency, more individual accountability and a different culture at Westminster.

It is still important that the total remuneration allows people from all walks of life to become a MP. The income must be sufficient without being exorbitant.

Perhaps extra money for taking further responsibilities within Parliament, such as membership of committees, would help to counter the temptation of taking jobs such as outside directorships, not directly related to an MP’s work.

I believe that we should also encourage people to enter Parliament later in life when they have gained experience in another field.

Then it would not be so important to take on these outside posts. If we all received a detailed report each year from our MP detailing their activities, salary and outside interests, that was independently audited, we would be in a better position to see if we were still getting value for money from them.

Dr PETER HIRST Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Spokesperson for Congleton Middlewich

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