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Sunday, August 17, 2008

The Great Expenses Cover-up: Now MPs Quietly Change the Freedom Of Information Act to Keep Details Secret


MPs were last night accused of mounting a shameless cover-up operation to prevent voters from discovering the full truth about their lavish expenses.
This autumn, Commons authorities will for the first time release details of up to two million receipts submitted by MPs, covering claims for home improvements, furnishings and office costs.
But The Mail on Sunday can reveal that MPs have insisted on having the information censored – and in such a way that could save them from potential embarrassment.
Under the changes, the location of MPs’ taxpayer-funded second homes will be cut out while full travel details – including potentially extravagant taxi journeys – will also be exempt.
The decision to edit the claims was nodded through the Commons without a vote just before MPs broke up for the summer and came after women MPs apparently broke down in tears at the prospect of their personal details being released.
The change meant amending the Government’s flagship freedom of information legislation.

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