PUBLIC DUTIES COST ALLOWANCE

Early day motion 524, tabled 12 September 2012 by Pete Wishart (Scottish National Party). Signed by 3 members.

That this House calls for claims made by former prime ministers under the Public Duties Cost Allowance to be regularly published; believes that this little-known allowance, which is worth as much as 115,000 each year for the lifetime of former prime ministers, should be brought under the audit and administrative umbrella of the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority; notes that the allowance is available in addition to parliamentary allowances for former prime ministers who remain in Parliament; and further believes that taxpayers have a right to know that claims made against the allowance are being used to support genuine public and charitable work and that therefore, at a minimum, claims should be supported by publication of a regular list detailing the public duties undertaken.

Signatures by party: Liberal Democrat 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1.