MINUTES OF SECOND MEETING OF THE ALLOWANCES REVIEW PANEL ON 21 SEPTEMBER 2007 AT 1.30PM IN ROOM Q3.02, THE SCOTTISH PARLIAMENT
Present:
Sir Alan Langlands (Chair)
Alastair MacNish
Isobel Sharp
Tom McCabe MSP
Lord Selkirk of Douglas
In attendance:
Ian Leitch
Huw Williams
Annette McCann
Lori Gray (minutes)
1. Minutes
1.1. The Panel agreed the minutes of the preparatory meeting held on 20 July 2007.
2. Principles of an Allowances Scheme
2.1. The Panel discussed a first draft of principles to underpin any proposed allowances scheme. During the discussion some drafting changes were proposed to emphasise the need to ensure value for money and to keep any expenditure incurred, which could be claimed from an allowances scheme, to a minimum. It was agreed that the principles should be kept under review as the work of the panel progressed and decisions were taken on each allowances category before a final version of the principles could be agreed.
3. Work of an MSP
3.1. The Panel discussed a paper setting out the roles and duties of a Member of the Parliament. The Panel agreed that it would be beneficial to shadow some Members to gain a better understanding of the nature and volume of their work. It was agreed that the secretariat would make the necessary arrangements.
3.2. The Panel also considered that it would be helpful to have details of the sitting hours at Westminster and agreed that the secretariat should produce a brief paper on this for the next meeting.
4. Evidence Submitted to the Review
4.1. The meeting was informed that 68 submissions had been received in response to the call for evidence. The most common threads related to staff costs, the Edinburgh Accommodation Allowance and surgery advertising. It was noted that a summary of all the evidence would be prepared for the next meeting.
4.2. The Panel acknowledged that staff costs were an issue for a number of respondents and that a disparity of views had been received in respect of the existing Edinburgh Accommodation Allowance.
4.3. A general discussion took place on the issues raised with the Panel about staff costs. The Panel agreed that there should be a separately identified provision for staff support with appropriate controls put in place on any costs. The Panel agreed that the secretariat should bring forward options to the next meeting on this matter.
4.4. The Panel also had an initial discussion on the issues raised about the Edinburgh Accommodation Allowance. Evidence had been received suggesting that the Parliament should purchase accommodation for the use of Members. The Panel agreed in advance of a paper on this matter that this was not a realistic option given the capital outlay that the Parliament would be required to make and the year on year maintenance costs. It was also recognised that security could also be an issue. It was agreed that a paper should be prepared for the next meeting drawing together all other possible options. The paper should also provide costing information on the mortgage interest payments, leasing of a property and hotel accommodation.
5. Categories of Allowances
5.1. The Panel discussed a paper outlining possible categories of allowances for any new scheme to support Members. It was agreed that the existing scheme could be simplified and in any new scheme the number of categories could be reduced which could also provide more transparency.
5.2. Although the review was still at an early stage, it was agreed that any new scheme could be based on office costs, staff costs, accommodation costs, travel costs, engagement costs, winding up costs and party leader’s costs. This list might be subject to change as the review progressed.
6. Papers for Information
6.1. The Panel noted two information papers – “Edinburgh Accommodation Allowance – An International Comparison” and “Allowances Schemes in Some Other UK Legislatures”.
7. Any Other Business
7.1. It was agreed that the Review is still at a preliminary stage, and that any media contact would be dealt with by the Chair.
8. Date of Next Meetings
8.1. It was agreed that the Panel would next meet on Friday 19 October at 10.00am.
8.2. Meetings would also be held on:
Monday 10 December 2007 at 10.00am
Friday 25 January 2008 at 10.00am
Secretariat
September 2007