MP expenses overhaul

Gordon Brown has agreed to meet Tory and Lib-Dem leaders to discuss plans to reform MPs’ expenses after proposing changes to the second homes allowance. The allowance, worth up to £24,000 a year, would be replaced with a flat daily attendance allowance. The proposal surprised many at Westminster, coming three weeks after Mr Brown ruled out any changes until a public committee finished its review. Mr Brown said he wants the changes in place by July to ‘restore people’s confidence’.