MEMBERS' ALLOWANCES AND BUDGETS

Early day motion 1897, tabled 25 June 2008 by Greg Mulholland (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 8 members.

That this House believes that the term `Members' Allowances', often also referred to as expenses, is not well understood and allows for confusion and misinterpretation; further believes that this misinterpretation can include the belief that all hon. and right hon. Members automatically receive the maximum amount; believes that they should therefore be renamed budgets because this is what they are, amounts up to which a hon. or right hon. Member may claim legitimate specific expenses; further believes that this would improve understanding of the different budgets that hon. and right hon. Members have available for legitimate work-related expenses; and further believes that the three allowances should therefore be re-named the Staff Salary and Costs Budget, the Office and Associated Costs Budget, and the London Living Budget.

Signatures by party: Labour 4, Liberal Democrat 2, Conservative 1, DUP 1.