More Snouts and Troughs
Because it sets out the 'rules' which Westminster MPs were required to follow - in claiming their expenses.
Note the emphasis on claims being above reproach - on claims being directly linked to an MP's ability to do their job - on the need to ensure value for money - and the need to avoid extravagant purchases.
Yet the response of many honourable members who were found to have claimed for giant plasma TVs - Persian rugs - BOSE docking stations - dog food and so on - is that such claims were often waved through without challenge.
The irony is that MPs regularly made such claims and the authorities often approved them - without so much as batting an eyelid.
Despite the Green Book rules and good old fashioned common sense - telling them all - the exact opposite.
Summer Houses and Bell Towers (December 11th 2009)
More amazing revelations today on the seemingly never ending saga of MPs' expenses.
The scandal affects all political parties - but long-serving MPs and government ministers really should know better - after all the 'rules' about what can and cannot be claimed could not be any clearer.
Here are some the 'Green Book' principles from the House of Commons - that are supposed to govern MPs' expenses claims:
1. Claims should be above reproach and must reflect actual usage of the resources being claimed.
2. Claims must only be made for expenditure that was necessary for a Member to incur to ensure that he or she could properly perform his or her parliamentary duties.
3. Allowances are reimbursed only for the purpose of a Member carrying out his or her parliamentary duties.
4. Members must ensure that claims do not give rise to, or give the appearance of giving rise to, an improper personal financial benefit to themselves or anyone else.
5. Members are committed to openness about what expenditure has been incurred and for what purposes.
6. The requirement of ensuring value for money is central in claiming for accommodation, goods or services – Members should avoid purchases which could be seen as extravagant or luxurious.
Yet, despite such clear and detailed advice - the Prime Minister, Gordon Brown no less, submitted a claim for £500 to decorate his Summer House - and defence minister, (ex-Tory) Quentin Davies, put in a claim for £20,000 to repair his Bell Tower.
No wonder people are so cynical these days - about politics and politicians.
