REVIEW OF ALLOWANCES - REFORM OF ADDITIONAL COST ALLOWANCE

That this House is appalled at the suggestion that hon. Members Additional Cost Allowance might be replaced by a pay rise; believes this would do enormous damage to hon. Members reputation as well as causing outrage at a time when other people are not getting pay rises and hardworking people across the country are being denied pay rises; further believes this would be seen as an attempt for hon. Members to get around the new rules governing public access to allowance claims; believes that it would blur the line between hon. Members pay and legitimate allowance budgets; notes that it would effectively establish differing levels of pay for hon. Members, from those not needing to pay for accommodation in London receiving a far higher salary than those who have to stay in London when the House of Commons is sitting; also rejects the idea of a daily allowance that would similarly break the link between justifiable expenditure and allowances, which would give the impression once again of an attempt to get around accountability and would introduce different levels of pay for different hon. Members; and believes the only way to have a fair system and to restore public confidence is to retain, but reform, the Additional Costs Allowance to ensure it is used only for the purposes for which it is intended, is linked to actual expenditure, and with a tightening up of the rules to prevent abuses and ensuring the system, is clear, open and accountable.