MPs' expenses 'must be published'

BBC News
26 February 2008

The House of Commons has been ordered to provide a more detailed breakdown of MPs' expenses, following a three-year Freedom of Information battle.

Claims made under the Additional Costs Allowance (ACA) must be published in detail, the Information Tribunal ruled.

MPs can claim up to £23,000 a year each to cover the cost of staying away from home, including food and rent payments.

Commons resources boss Andrew Walker had argued publishing more details could intrude on MPs' private lives.

But the Tribunal ruled in favour of Freedom of Information campaign Heather Brooke and two journalists - and ordered the Commons to release the information within 28 days.