MP wants review into new Commons expenses system

LABOUR MP David Winnick has called for a review into the new expenses system in Parliament before another scandal breaks out.

Mr Winnick, who was one of the lowest expense claimants in the Houses of Parliament when news of an expense scandal broke out last year, is not convinced that the new Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority's system is the way forward.

Mr Winnick said: "This new system is bureaucratic to say the least. I am strongly of the opinion that what happened last year must never, ever be repeated again.

"But to bring in a system like this could see another scandal arise. I spoke to my secretary regarding the new system and was told that it was not the easiest to navigate."

The new IPSA system for MPs expenses came into force at the restart of Parliament last week. Mr Winnick added that he felt a responsibility to speak up regarding the new system.

He said: "A lot of the new MPs are not in a position to speak out against the new system.

"If a new MP just elected says anything people will question his motives about criticising expense systems.

"That is why MPs such as myself need to speak up for the rest.

"I especially feel I have to say something as I was among the lowest claimers in the old system and therefore had nothing to hide." Mr Winnick's comments came after the MP raised similar doubts during Parliament last week.

He said: "As someone who argued in the last Parliament strongly for full and total transparency over Members' claims may I ask the Leader of the House whether he is aware that the new system is deeply bureaucratic and complex, and that it undermines both the work we have been elected to do and that of our staff?"