15.12.2009
The findings of an independent examination of Holyrood’s expenses scheme have been received today by the Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body (SPCB).
Speaking on behalf of the SPCB, which commissioned Sir Neil McIntosh to examine the scheme, Presiding Officer Alex Fergusson MSP said the report would help the Parliament build on the existing arrangements, which were already well regarded.
The report, which sets out 13 recommendations and two proposals, addresses issues such as the employment of family members and capital gains tax on Edinburgh accommodation properties.
Mr Fergusson said: “I am grateful to Sir Neil for carrying out this independent examination of our expenses scheme. He has delivered his carefully considered report to us on time and has striven to balance fairness to Members with public confidence in our expenses system.
"The SPCB welcomes Sir Neil’s opinion that the Parliament has established a robust, transparent and practical basis for the reimbursement of expenses to Members – and that this has already been broadly recognised in the reviews undertaken in Wales and Westminster.
"The SPCB intends to accept this package of measures in full and bring the necessary resolutions to Parliament for its approval.”
He added: “The Corporate Body commissioned this report back in June to demonstrate that the Scottish Parliament is not complacent. While Holyrood has been held up as a model of good practice by others, we remain committed to ensuring that we can continue to command public confidence in our systems.”
The SPCB has instructed officials to bring forward a detailed action plan in the new year for implementation of Sir Neil’s recommendations.
Full text of the Report to the Scottish Parliament on the Scheme for Reimbursement of Members’ Expenses by Sir Neil McIntosh