http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/new...ffset=0&page=1
MPs are to be forced into one-bedroomed flats in less expensive areas of London as a major new report made clear that the next generation of Parliamentarians must atone for the sins of current members.
Members who have used the expenses system to pay for mortgages on houses in costly areas of London, like Victoria and London Bridge, will be expected to rent one-bedroom flats in areas like Camberwell and Battersea where they are able to secure accommodation for less than £1,250.
Sir Christopher Kelly’s report into allowances suggests that MPs should hand back to the taxpayer any future capital gain they make through the property market, while MPs who bought at the top of the market must bear the cost of negative equity themselves.
“MPs do not have to live in Dolphin Square,” Sir Christopher said referring to the exclusive block near the Tate Britain where many MPs’ have lived for years.
There will also be a ban on employment of spouses, second homes for those within commuting distance of London and new rules on financial disclosure.
Sir Christopher hinted that the ban on spousal employment may not have been necessary had it not been for the expenses scandal. He said that MPs should consider the reputation of Parliament “whether you like it or not”.
Sir Christopher expressed deep disappointment that several headlines from his report were leaked after he saw party leaders last week. He revealed that he had not received an unconditional promise from any of the leaders they would implement every last recommendation of his report. “You never get a complete assurance,” he said.
Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg have today said that they back the report in full, although it is unclear whether their submissions to the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority — which will reveal their true views — will be made public.
Other proposals include:
* getting the new Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) to determine the pay and pensions of MPs, as well as their expenses. Sir Christopher declined to say whether MPs should be paid more
* an end to the practice of allowing a Westminster MPs to sit simultaneously in a devolved legislature, known as “double jobbing”. It would be stopped ideally by 2011
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While UK MPs are forced to take cuts in their expenditure after the expenses scandal, our ministers still continue to shower themselves in wads of cash.
United Kingdom: MPs to be forced into one-bedroomed flats under expenses revolution 
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