Parliamentary Standards
Official Summary
Make provision establishing a body corporate known as the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority and an officer known as the Commissioner for Parliamentary Investigations; to make provision relating to salaries and allowances for members of the House of Commons and to their financial interests and conduct; and for connected purposes.
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Overview
The Parliamentary Standards Act 2009 established the Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) to manage MPs' salaries and expenses, and created the Commissioner for Parliamentary Investigations to look into complaints and potential misconduct. The Act also introduced a new code of conduct for MPs regarding financial interests.
Description
IPSA and Commissioner:
The act created the IPSA as a body corporate responsible for setting MPs' salaries and allowances, creating and overseeing an expenses scheme, and establishing a code of conduct for MPs concerning financial interests. A Commissioner for Parliamentary Investigations was also created to investigate potential breaches of the code or the allowances scheme.
MPs' Salaries and Allowances:
IPSA determines MPs' salaries based on House resolutions and manages a scheme for paying MPs' allowances. The scheme outlines allowable expenses, conditions for payment (including documentary evidence), and spending limits. Claims are made to IPSA and reviewed, with a review process for appeals.
Code of Conduct:
IPSA prepares and regularly reviews a code of conduct for MPs concerning financial interests, requiring registration of specified financial interests and prohibiting actions such as advocating for causes in exchange for payments or benefits.
Investigations and Enforcement:
The Commissioner can initiate investigations into potential breaches of the allowances scheme or the code of conduct based on their own initiative, requests from MPs, or complaints from individuals. Findings are usually referred to the House of Commons Committee on Standards and Privileges but may be handled internally under certain circumstances.
Offences:
The act criminalises submitting false or misleading information when claiming allowances.
Government Spending
The Act led to an increase in government spending due to the establishment and operation of IPSA and the Commissioner's office. Exact figures are not available in the provided text.
Groups Affected
- Members of Parliament (MPs): Affected by new salary and allowance systems, code of conduct, and potential investigations.
- IPSA staff: Employed to manage the new system.
- Commissioner for Parliamentary Investigations and staff: Investigate potential misconduct by MPs.
- The Public: Benefit from increased transparency and accountability in Parliament.
- House of Commons Committees: Receive referrals from IPSA and the Commissioner for investigation.
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