MPs’ expense decision in disarray

Plans to overhaul MPs’ expenses have broken down after the opposition parties decided they would not back the alternative – daily payments of £150 for turning up to Westminster. The decision has left hopes of a cross party deal in tatters, although Downing Street said a vote would still go ahead. The Tories wants MPs to claim for rent utility bills, council tax and mortgage interest payments and the Lib-Dems wants to see MPs forced to sell their second homes and return a share of the proceeds to the taxpayer. An independent inquiry by the committee on standards in public life is also starting today.