MPs' additional costs allowances to be published

MPs' additional costs allowances to be published

MPs who used expenses to buy luxury furnishings for their second homes are to be named and shamed. Details of all cash claimed over the past three years under Westminster's additional costs allowances (ACA) are to be published.

The secret so-called "John Lewis list" – based on prices at the upmarket store – revealed MPs could claim £22,000 a year for furnishings. It allowed them £10,000 for a kitchen; £2,000 for furniture; £750 for a television; £100 for a coffee machine and even £50 for a paper shredder.

The publication of the list, under the Freedom of Information Act, infuriated MPs who protested yesterday that it further tarnished their reputation. But it also emerged yesterday that the Commons authorities are planning to disclose details of claims back to 2004.

Commons to name and shame MPs over expenses (The Independent, 15 March 2008)