AM’s agree big cuts in expenses
By Liz Stephens
A report which called for major cuts in expenses for Welsh assembly members (AMs) has been agreed on by the assembly commission.
The assembly commission considered the report, entitled ‘Getting it Right for Wales’, yesterday.
Lord Elis-Thomas said work on implementing the changes would start “immediately”.
“That these changes have been endorsed during the year in which we mark the tenth anniversary of devolution is a testament to the assembly’s maturity and is a signal that the assembly is committed to operating in ways that are right for Wales,” he said.
The plans were “agreed with ease” at the meeting according to Conservative commissioner William Graham.
Under the plans, AMs would no longer be able to claim mortgage interest on second homes but almost half would be allowed to rent accommodation near Cardiff Bay instead.
AMs would also be banned from claiming for furniture and fittings on second homes.
The proposals in the report by Sir Roger Jones could mean a £1m saving over four years.
Other proposals in the report included the need for receipts for every claim, scrapping the daily food allowance of £30.65, and linking AMs pay to average earnings not MPs’ salaries.
They also included a ban on employment of AMs’ family members, although any existing arrangements would continue.
At present 51 of the AMs are entitled to a second home allowance for attending the assembly in Cardiff.
That number would more than halve after 2011 if the proposals are accepted.
