Why is IPSA saying one thing to the public and David Cameron saying another to Tory backbench MPs?

Why is IPSA saying one thing to the public and David Cameron saying another to Tory backbench MPs?



The IPSA website states "Last updated: 15 December 2010".

"The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) is the independent organisation created to bring a fresh approach to the system of paying MPs’ expenses.

IPSA’s rules mean a change from the old system of allowances; establishing clear guidelines setting out what MPs can and cannot claim for. The rules, which apply to all MPs, are a break from what went before and are fair, workable and transparent. IPSA will publish on its website every claim made by every MP.

IPSA is entirely independent of Parliament, Government and all political parties. In all it does, IPSA will keep at the front of its mind its main duty – to serve the interests of the public".

David Cameron said that he sympathised with MPs complaints about new expenses system Photo: GETTY

Yesterday, 15 December 2010, in the evening David Cameron met with Tory rebels.

"Addressing the meeting of the backbench 1922 committee, Mr Cameron told his MPs that they should be “proud” of the achievements of the Coalition as they head home to their constituencies.

He agreed that the new expenses system, which limits MPs to claiming for small apartments rather than the lavish residences that many maintained under the old regime, was “anti-family”.

The Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (Ipsa) would have to relax its grip by April 1, or face being reformed, he said.

A spokesman said: “The Prime Minister said he understood that Ipsa had caused pain and difficulty for colleagues. It is anti-family and it is not acceptable.

“There needs to be a better system in place by April 1 otherwise it will have to change. That can be through Ipsa recognising its shortcomings, or it can be it being changed. Either way, it will have to change.”

A Downing Street spokesman later added that Mr Cameron was concerned about the administrative burden on MPs of having to abide by the new rules.

He was also concerned that there were limits on the number of times MPs' children could travel with them to their constituencies at taxpayers' expense".

It was only yesterday that the expenses scandal has raised its head again...

MPs’ failure to provide evidence to support nearly £14 million in claims has led the nation’s official auditor to refuse to sign off the accounts of the House of Commons.