Overview

This bill mandates the annual publication of expenses incurred by board members of specified public authorities. The 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 specified by the Secretary of State) to annually publish 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 undertaking official duties.
• Other expenses related to official business, including those for accompanying staff.
• A breakdown of all listed expenses by location (UK and overseas).

Publication must occur either within the authority's annual report or in a separate document released within three months of the financial year's end. The bill defines terms like "official business" and "private car" expenses (including mileage and parking). The Secretary of State can add further bodies to the list of those covered by the Act, but such regulations are subject to parliamentary annulment.

Government Spending

The bill states that any increased costs to the government resulting from its implementation will be covered by Parliament.

Groups Affected

The bill primarily affects:

• Public authorities: Those listed in Parts VI and VII of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and any others designated by the Secretary of State, will face increased administrative burdens related to recording and publishing expense data.
• Board members of public authorities: Their expenses will be subject to public scrutiny.
• The public: Will gain increased access to information on how public funds are used.

Powered by nyModel