MPs' perks to be curbed after scandal

By Keith Weir

LONDON (Reuters) - Leaders of the main political parties backed plans on Wednesday to curb perks for MPs after this Summer's scandal over lavish expense claims shocked taxpayers and undermined public trust in parliament.

Under the proposals, an independent regulator would set pay and pension levels rather than allowing MPs effectively to regulate themselves.

Following a series of high-profile abuses, MPs would be barred from employing their own relatives at the taxpayers' expense and claiming back mortgage costs on second homes.

The shake-up is designed to assuage public anger after disclosures that MPs in recession-hit Britain clawed back the cost of everything from pet food to cleaning out a moat.

An independent committee led by former civil servant Christopher Kelly also recommended that MPs be barred from claiming expenses for cleaning, gardening and home furnishings.

"Revelations about the expenses system have caused considerable damage," Kelly said, urging MPs not to try to dilute his proposals.

"I do not believe that trust in those who govern us will be restored unless those in authority show leadership and determination in putting abuses of the past behind them, however uncomfortable that may be for some."

Prime Minister Gordon Brown said he accepted the report and expected a new Independent Parliamentary Standards Authority (IPSA) to implement it.