Findings from the Holyrood Allowances Review

The Holyrood Allowances Review was published today. The Panel, which includes ICAS President Isobel Sharp, was appointed to carry out a full scale review of parliamentary allowances for MSPs. The panel brought together expertise from the public and private sectors, with an emphasis on experience in finance, accountancy and corporate governance. Further details are available on the website for the Parliamentary Allowances Review website

According to a BBC story the findings include:

• The practice where MSPs can claim back interest on the mortgages should end
• The interest payments should be phased out over the life of the current parliament
• MSPs should also have to declare their employment of close family members on a register
• Overnight expenses rate in relation to UK parliamentary duties should be set at £128 and £150 for London