Overview

This bill mandates the annual publication of specific expenses incurred by board members of public authorities. Its aim is to increase transparency in the use of public funds.

Description

The Expenses of Public Servants (Publication) Bill requires public authorities (defined as those listed in Parts VI and VII of Schedule 1 of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, plus any others designated by the Secretary of State) to publish yearly details of their board members' expenses. This includes:

• Travel expenses broken down by mode of transport (private car, hire car, taxi, rail, air, bicycle, other).
• Accommodation and subsistence costs while on official duty.
• Other expenses related to official business, including those for accompanying staff.
• A breakdown of all listed expenses between the UK and other countries.

Publication must occur either within the authority's annual report or in a separate document within three months of the financial year's end. The bill defines key terms such as "official business" and "licensed hire car," referencing existing legislation. The Secretary of State can add bodies to the list of affected public authorities via regulations subject to parliamentary approval.

Government Spending

The bill states that any increased government spending resulting from its implementation will be met from public funds. No specific figures are provided.

Groups Affected

The bill primarily affects:

• Board members of public authorities: They will be required to disclose their expenses.
• Public authorities: They will have new responsibilities regarding data collection and publication.
• The public: They will have increased access to information on public spending.
• Parliament: It retains the power to annul any regulations made by the Secretary of State.

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