Standards in public life

Originally published @ 11:47 pm, Sat 6th Feb 2010

Standards in public life has once again been given national prominence by the latest announcement on MPs' expenses. £1.2m in expenses has to be paid back following a report that has cost £1.1m. You can choose to see that as ironic; or recognise that it's the cost of trying to return credibility to Parliament. On expenses, Labour has introduced interim restrictions on the allowances scheme, with no more claims for furniture, household goods, cleaning, gardening, or stamp duty. Members can claim a maximum of £1,250 per month for rent, mortgage interest or hotel bills, plus utilities and Council Tax. I've also signed up to a new series of pledges on conduct in public life, including publishing claims on-line. It's not enough to regard allegations about standards in public life as proof of wrongdoing. However, we've all got to work at demonstrating proper conduct and the article published in the Burton Mail is salutory - http://www.burtonmail.co.uk/burtonmail-news/displayarticle.asp?id=479869